What we know about the people behind France’s riots and looting
- Images of young people looting shops and setting fire to public buildings in French cities last weekend have travelled around the world.
- The government has described those responsible as “scum” and accused ultra-left groups of organising an insurrection ahead of the 2027 presidential elections.
- But the first defendants to appear in court show a more mixed picture – with students, workers and people with previous convictions among those prosecuted.
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- Images of young people looting shops and setting fire to public buildings in French cities last weekend have travelled around the world.
- The government has described those responsible as “scum” and accused ultra-left groups of organising an insurrection ahead of the 2027 presidential elections.
- But the first defendants to appear in court show a more mixed picture – with students, workers and people with previous convictions among those prosecuted.
Sources: RFI