Local curfews were imposed in France and courts handed down the first sentences following riots on 17 October. According to Euronews, restrictions applied overnight from 19 to 20 October in selected parts of Paris and several other cities. They were neither nationwide measures nor city-wide bans on movement.
In Paris, the curfew covered Place de la République and the Les Halles area between 11pm and 6am. Local restrictions were also introduced in Lyon, Nice and selected areas of northern cities, including Lille and Douai. Demonstrations were also banned in some Paris districts and on Lyon’s central peninsula.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said on 20 October that the targeted curfews had helped ensure a quiet night. He raised the possibility of further restrictions wherever circumstances required them, with decisions to be taken by prefects — local representatives of central government — working with mayors. This was an announcement of possible further action, not confirmation that restrictions had automatically been extended in all the affected areas.
First sentences and support pledged for businesses
According to Euronews, the first sentences connected with the riots were handed down on 19 October in Paris, Toulouse and Bobigny. Courts imposed prison terms or community service in fast-track proceedings.
Violence accompanying the weekend demonstrations left shops damaged. Euronews also reports that a tourist information office at Place Bellecour in Lyon was set on fire. The French government said more than 3,000 commercial premises had been vandalised; that figure is the authorities’ tally, rather than an independently confirmed total.
The economy minister pledged support for traders and craftspeople directly affected by the riots. Euronews does not give detailed conditions for the promised support or a date for its launch.
