France Expands Policing and Prosecutions After Violent 17 October Protests

Overview

• A nationwide mobilization on 17 October against the rising cost of living degenerated in many cities into clashes, widespread looting and arson, forcing an intense security and judicial response.
• Police and prosecutors carried out mass arrests and expedited hearings with at least 149 people reported jailed so far and thousands placed in custody in the days following the protests.
• Local officials have imposed targeted curfews in multiple cities, including a minors’ curfew in Marseille that runs from 22:00 to 05:00 in specified zones, and authorities say new curfews will be added where needed.
• The government instructed prosecutors to requalify some files as criminalité organisée to extend police custody and permit measures such as geolocation and phone intercepts, and specialist units including RAID and anti‑terror investigators are handling high‑profile cases.
• A commission of inquiry at the National Assembly was approved and a political controversy is growing after reporting that intelligence services were told to focus on La France Insoumise, prompting threats of legal action and a planned referral to the Court of Justice of the Republic.