'I didn’t know it was theft': Trials begin in Paris following October 17 violence

AI Summary

People arrested during the October 17 rallies appeared in Paris court on charges including assaulting police, resisting arrest and handling stolen goods. The proceedings follow the violence, amid the justice minister's call for a firm legal response.

Those arrested during the October 17 rallies filed into the dock at Paris’s Judicial Court on Tuesday, accused of a broad range of offences – from assault against police officers to resisting arrest and handling stolen goods. The courtroom’s charged atmosphere was palpable amid the justice minister’s call for the law to respond with “utmost firmness”.