French courts have been imposing disproportionately severe sentences for minor offenses, including 10 months in prison for stealing a can of Red Bull and one year for a homeless boy with schizophrenia caught looting a luxury store. The overwhelmed courts rush cases, provide minimal time for defendants, and prioritize punishment under the instruction of the Justice Minister. Furthermore, the French government is censoring social media and justifying it by claiming to protect public order, but it infringes upon free speech and mirrors tactics used by authoritarian regimes. The justice system exhibits a double standard, favoring the privileged, and creates a class divide, leading to unrest. Ironically, the government compares itself to oppressive nations while undermining democratic principles.
I would challenge you to think a little more deeply on this. For those with very little, and no opportunity, in an opressive system, and the continuous messaging that having things makes you happy…when you have nothing left but rage at this system, it makes perfect sense to tear it down and take what you want. I would not advocate for violence or theft or destruction, but I can try to understand the motivations that lead to these outcomes and not dehumanize those forced into this position in life.