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A view of Limoges City Hall damaged by arson. / AFP, Yonhap

As large-scale protests that gripped France since the 17th (local time) entered a lull, authorities have launched full-scale efforts to track down and prosecute individuals involved in store looting and the destruction of public facilities.

According to The Wall Street Journal on the 20th, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu stated that roughly 200 investigators have been concentrated in the Paris region to analyze surveillance camera and social media footage, adding that further arrests will follow.

More than 2,500 people were detained nationwide over the weekend during the unrest, with 95% confirmed to be male and 70% adults.

To expedite trials, the Paris Court expanded its dedicated courtrooms from two to four, hearing some 40 related cases.

Many of those arrested face charges of possessing stolen luxury goods and apparel, while second-hand clothing platform Vinted is removing listings suspected of being stolen property and cooperating with the investigation.

Jean-Christophe Couvy, spokesperson for a police union, noted that prosecutors and judges are in short supply to handle the caseload, while prison overcrowding places constraints on handing down prison sentences. He added that securing convictions is difficult because police officers often could not gather sufficient evidence amidst the chaos.

Meanwhile, the government is pursuing the so-called "breaker-payer (casseurs-payeurs)" bill. The legislation, which holds violent protesters liable for damages up to 10,000 euros (approx. 15 million won), is scheduled for Senate review on the 27th.

In Limoges, where the city hall was damaged by arson during the protests on the 17th, public fundraising has begun for its restoration, French public broadcaster franceinfo reported. Limoges authorities appealed for active citizen participation, explaining that the top priority is preventing further damage and preserving intact remaining structures.

Of the total 300,000 euro (approx. 450 million won) goal, already 20,000 euros (approx. 30 million won) was raised as of the evening of the 20th, the launch day of the campaign, franceinfo reported.

                                                                                                           Lee Jeong-eun