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.

  • birdcat@lemmy.ml
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    1 year ago

    It’s an interesting development for sure. In Germany they want to prosecute climate protesters (letzte Generation) for organizing a criminal organization (like mafia, yes). If things continue in this direction the saying “it’s not about left/right, it’s about freedom/authoritarianism” might soon be something I will say with zero irony.