Hmm... I am a stickler for language too and so I looked up the Merriam Webster definition for "riot":

2 a : public violence, tumult, or disorder b : a violent public disorder; specifically : a tumultuous disturbance of the public peace by three or more persons assembled together and acting with a common intent

You've got widespread civil disobedience in at least 2 towns for over a week, hundreds of cars burned, buildings torched, clashes with police, at least some real bullets fired and the police wearing riot gear.  I think this counts as a riot.

These people, "youths" or whatever you want to call them (nobody in France seems to agree) are angry and there's lots of them and they are using violence.  That qualifies as a riot in my book.

What word would you prefer?  

Pax

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