French authorities confirmed on Friday that 232 people are behind bars for their role in last weekend's riots and looting. The disturbances broke out in Paris and spread to a number of other cities across the country. Officials linked the unrest to massive student demonstrations as well as the social movement known as the yellow vests. Police detained hundreds during the street violence, and the courts have been processing the cases at speed. The justice system has signalled it will keep acting firmly against those responsible for the destruction. More detentions and prosecutions have not been ruled out as investigations continue. Civil rights observers are tracking how the courts treat such a large group of defendants. Authorities hope the swift sentences will deter further confrontations in the coming weeks.