She was just one of 2,500 people arrested during last weekend's rioting and looting across the country, more than 900 of whom are being processed through the courts using a procedure called comparution immédiate, or immediate appearance. Awa, an 18-year-old defendant standing in the tribunal de Paris, appeared as a small, mute and bewildered figure seemingly unable to understand or answer the simplest of questions during a fast-tracked court appearance.
In one notable case, two defendants named Lamine and Sofiane were found with €37,000 of luxury goods and subsequently convicted. Lamine received a sentence of semi-release allowing daytime work with a return to prison at night, while Sofiane was ordered to wear an electronic bracelet for six months.
Lawyers assigned to the cases argued that politicians calling for ruthless sentencing are instead responsible for an economic situation where some citizens lack money for basic food and clothing. Defense counsel maintained that the judicial response should be political rather than legal, declaring they refuse to allow summary trials to become tools of a political reaction to social anger.
The unrest followed peaceful protests that deteriorated as black-clad, masked individuals rampaged through cities and towns, setting fire to public buildings, bikes and rubbish bins while smashing restaurants, shops and looting local and luxury goods stores.
The sudden influx of cases has overwhelmed the judicial system and angered defense lawyers, who state they have no time to meet their clients before proceedings begin.
Awa's courtroom appearance touched a nerve among the assembled lawyers, judges, prosecutors and press, who are otherwise hardened to melodrama.
Unable to speak during her hearing, Awa covered her face and began to weep silently before sobbing uncontrollably in the courtroom silence.
As police escorted defendants into court from holding cells, observers noted that aside from wearing black clothing, the individuals could not be neatly categorized.