Snapchat messages lead to prison sentence for Nice student rioter

A 21-year-old student in Nice was sentenced to prison on Wednesday for his role in the October 17 riots, including aggravated theft and attempted destruction. He was handcuffed in court and taken to the local jail. Snapchat messages proved crucial to the conviction, showing him discussing stolen goods and sending a photo captioned "Bilan des courses." The prosecutor described him as a "predatory rioter," and the court handed down a 24-month sentence, with 12 months suspended. His lawyer criticized the sentence as politically motivated and excessively harsh, arguing that immediate incarceration of students is disproportionate. Other defense attorneys echoed concerns about the justice system's approach to the riots, questioning the use of custodial sentences for first-time offenders.