French Justice Minister demands tougher sentences: will law change after football violence?

French Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin has demanded tougher sentences for those convicted of violence against law enforcement, following widespread unrest during recent football celebrations.

Over the weekend, police arrested 563 people after violent clashes and the torching of more than 200 cars, prompting Darmanin to criticize existing court rulings as inadequate.

"Some of the sentences for violence -- including against law enforcement officers and for destruction of property -- are not proportional to the level of violence our country is experiencing," said Darmanin, a former interior minister.

He emphasized that "the law needs to radically change" to address the escalating violence.

The unrest followed football celebrations that turned destructive, leading to confrontations between police and youths. President Emmanuel Macron condemned the violence as "unacceptable" during a ceremony honoring the victorious team at the Elysee Palace.

The Justice Minister's call for legal reform highlights growing concerns over public order and the adequacy of current judicial responses to violent incidents linked to sporting events.

As France grapples with these challenges, the government faces pressure to implement stricter penalties to deter future violence and restore public safety.

This development signals a potential shift in French law enforcement policy, aiming to impose harsher consequences for offenses against police and property damage amid social unrest.

French Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin called for tougher sentences against violence targeting law enforcement after weekend football celebrations saw 563 arrests and over 200 cars torched. He criticized current punishments as insufficient and urged radical legal changes amid nationwide unrest.