Curfews bring calm to Paris as France cracks down on weekend rioters

Paris returned to a peaceful night on Tuesday, marking the end of its most destructive rioting in years, as authorities imposed curfews in several cities to prevent further unrest. At least 2,400 people were arrested following violent protests against rising living costs and poor school conditions across France on Saturday. The nationwide demonstrations saw rioters clash with police, set cars ablaze, storm public buildings, and burn down a historic city hall in flames during the protests.

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced the curfews in an effort to maintain order, with the first curfew in Paris running from 11 p.m. on Monday to 6 a.m. Tuesday. A police helicopter circled over Place de la République, sweeping the central square with a searchlight to ensure compliance with the curfew. Early Tuesday morning, workers removed a giant fluorescent yellow vest from the city square, a symbolic gesture referencing the yellow vest protests over fuel prices that began in 2018.

Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin reported that 149 individuals had been jailed nationwide as of Tuesday, with over 800 of the roughly 2,500 people arrested since Saturday facing trial. The French justice system, according to Darmanin, will be "extremely firm" in its approach to dealing with property crimes, as people with no criminal records ending up in prison for such crimes is extremely rare.

In Lille, three men aged 20 to 25 with no criminal history were sentenced to 10 months in prison each for looting a video game store in the city's old town.

The National Assembly has launched an inquiry into the Oct. 17 violence and the authorities' policing strategy, with findings expected by the end of the year.