Retailleau calls for facial recognition and 'joint responsibility' after PSG win incidents

Bruno Retailleau, president of the Republicans party and a candidate for the French presidency, is calling for stricter measures against public disorder, including the use of facial recognition technology and the imposition of "joint responsibility" on those involved in violent incidents. His proposals come in the wake of disturbances following Paris Saint-Germain's victory in the Champions League final.

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We must, one, abolish the Belloubet law, which states that when you receive less than a year in prison, the sentence is amenable. Furthermore, I believe there must be a minimum sentence for violence against those who hold public authority.

Retailleau expressed his desire to abolish the Belloubet law, which permits alternative sentencing for prison terms under one year. He also advocates for a mandatory minimum sentence for acts of violence against public officials. "We must, one, abolish the Belloubet law, which states that when you receive less than a year in prison, the sentence is amenable. Furthermore, I believe there must be a minimum sentence for violence against those who hold public authority," the former Interior Minister stated.

Furthermore, Retailleau suggested leveraging modern technologies like facial recognition to identify individuals involved in such incidents. He also proposed financial penalties, targeting both the individuals and their families, particularly when minors are involved. "I think we will also have to resort to modern technologies, for example, facial recognition, to be able to determine who was there," he explained. "I think we need to hit the wallet of these individuals, themselves or, when they are minors, their families."

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I think we will also have to resort to modern technologies, for example, facial recognition, to be able to determine who was there.

He elaborated on the concept of "joint responsibility," arguing that if someone is part of a group committing acts of violence, they can be held accountable. Retailleau believes this measure should be reinstated. "Today, to convict an individual, you really have to prove that it was he who threw the stone. Joint responsibility means that if you are in the group that does this, you can be convicted. I think that from now on, this measure must also be rehabilitated," he argued.

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I think we need to hit the wallet of these individuals, themselves or, when they are minors, their families.

Retailleau concluded by stating that solutions exist but often lack the political courage to be enacted. He commented on the management of public order by his successor, Laurent Nuñez, suggesting the situation was not under control and that these were not mere "overflows."

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Today, to convict an individual, you really have to prove that it was he who threw the stone. Joint responsibility means that if you are in the group that does this, you can be convicted. I think that from now on, this measure must also be rehabilitated.