Inside the Paris Courthouse, Where France Is Trying Its Riot Suspects
Four days after the worst unrest in years, Paris judges are working through hundreds of cases as politicians argue over who the rioters really are.
The Paris criminal court was busy processing arrests from riots that occurred days earlier. One defendant’s Snapchat message, where he said “when I’m throwing rocks, I can’t be snapping,” was played as evidence. The court was packed with media, family, and the public as judges worked through numerous cases.
- A 21-year-old defendant, Ryad K., was accused of participating in the Oct. 17 Paris riots.
- A Snapchat voice message from Ryad K. was played in court, stating, “The thing is, when I’m throwing rocks, I can’t be snapping. I’m in the heat of the action, I can’t show it.”
- Ryad K. claimed he said it “just like that—to say I did nothing,” but the judge found his words “nonetheless telling.”
- Four days after the riots, the Paris courthouse was handling numerous arrests.
- The courtroom was filled with journalists, relatives, and members of the public.
- Politicians were reportedly arguing over the identity of the rioters.
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