Major Risk of Violence: Paris Braces for Saturday Protests with Firmness

French Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin reaffirmed today, Friday, his instructions to public prosecutors to adopt a strict approach on the eve of a new day of social mobilization that authorities fear may have repercussions, particularly during the evening hours which coincide with "Halloween" celebrations, according to the Ministry of Justice.

In a telegram sent to public prosecutors, the minister stressed the importance of "ensuring a firm and rapid criminal response" in the face of "a major risk of violent acts on October 31, 2026, especially during the evening."

The French newspaper Le Figaro reported that "as was the case on previous protest days, the minister renewed his request to impose additional penalties in the event of conviction, including: banning the use of social networks, prohibiting participation in demonstrations, or deprivation of civil rights.

Darmanan wrote: "Special attention must be paid, from a judicial standpoint, to public incitement to violence - particularly via social networks - while activating blocking mechanisms related to these platforms."

The minister added: "Perpetrators of violence against security forces, intruders into public buildings, those responsible for vandalism, or those involved in arson and looting will be referred - unless there are exceptional circumstances - to the judiciary immediately upon the end of their police custody. They will be prosecuted either through 'immediate appearance' procedures before the court, or by opening a judicial investigation in the most serious or complex cases."

The minister's telegram continued: "Minors will also be subject to prosecution with the same speed and firmness in the most serious incidents, while ensuring that parental authority holders are held accountable."

The minister also pointed out the necessity of "paying special attention to notifying the National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office (PNAT)" regarding "any case involving acts characterized by extreme seriousness."