Cases where rioters have already been sentenced and more hearings ahead
Across France, sentences have begun to be handed down for those involved in the riots that shook the country over the past week. About 350 offenders have already received prison terms, with several hundred more awaiting court appearances in the coming days.
Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne noted on Tuesday that nearly 700 individuals have appeared before a judge for indictment so far, with around 800 still to face legal proceedings. During a government control session in the National Assembly, she recalled that Chief Justice Eric Dupond-Moretti issued a circular directing prosecutors to deliver a quick, definitive, and systematic response for all perpetrators. The directive emphasizes accountability and a firm approach to these cases.
The circular also instructs prosecutors to pursue penalties for parents of minors who allowed participation in the riots since June 27, especially when there was a failure to supervise. In Nanterre, a 17-year-old was killed by police while attempting to flee a checkpoint in an unregistered vehicle, underscoring the seriousness of the events and the ongoing investigations surrounding them.
Since the unrest began, roughly 3,500 people have been arrested, with a striking majority of them very young; the average age is about 17. Approximately one-third are minors, whose cases may be handled under specific procedures that limit immediate penalties. The Prime Minister stressed that the violence observed does not reflect the true sentiment of the country’s youth, highlighting a distinction between the broader social unrest and isolated criminal acts.
In remarks delivered during the session, Borne addressed criticisms from opponents and pointed to what she has observed in visits to affected areas. She suggested that a portion of public anger has been misunderstood and remains a driving force behind some reactions. She argued that the focus should be on restoring calm and upholding the rule of law, rather than blaming entire communities or political opponents for criminal violence.
President Emmanuel Macron met with about 300 mayors affected by the riots in Paris, stressing that ensuring order is the top priority. He remained cautious about the timeline for return to normal conditions, acknowledging work still needed in the coming days and weeks to solidify stability and public trust.
Emergency law and reconstruction efforts
The number of detainees decreased over successive nights, from a peak earlier in the week to 72 on a recent night, and continued a downward trend. Limited bus and tram services will be extended until 22:00 to deter night-time disturbances, supporting the broader reconstruction effort. In parallel, the government pledged swift legislative action to accelerate rebuilding across the damage sites, including dozens of public buildings such as town halls, schools, libraries, and police stations.
Countless businesses were looted and thousands of vehicles were set ablaze. The impact on the economy has been significant, with estimates from business groups suggesting damage surpasses 1,000 million euros, a figure that does not yet capture potential effects on tourism and the national image. In response, the government is examining options to provide relief to affected enterprises, including temporary relief from social or tax obligations on a case-by-case basis.
Officials stressed that every measure will be taken to restore economic activity as quickly as possible. During a visit to Arpajon in the Paris region, the economy minister explained that insurers have broadened the window for filing claims from five to thirty days and will expedite compensation, helping restore confidence for businesses and residents alike. This adjustment is designed to ease the immediate financial burden for those who sustained losses during the unrest. [Source: Ministry of Economy, official statements]
As the response continues, authorities emphasize coordination with local governments and national agencies to ensure a cohesive plan for rebuilding and safety. Several sectors, including education, public services, and municipal infrastructure, are receiving particular attention to prevent recurrence and to reinforce public security for communities across the country. [Source: Prime Minister’s Office and National Assembly briefings]