France: Tightened security measures in Cannes May 16-27

Event

Increased security measures and traffic restrictions are to be anticipated in Cannes from Tuesday, May 16, through Saturday, May 27, as the city hosts the annual Cannes Film Festival. Access to central areas and festival buildings is restricted. The authorities have erected barricades made out of large planters to protect pedestrians from possible vehicle attacks. The city will also be patrolled by extra security forces (including snipers) and some 550 security cameras have been installed. Security checkpoints are possible throughout the city.

Context

Following the attack of July 14, 2016, in which a truck drove into a crowd gathered for Bastille Day celebrations in Nice, events such as carnivals and festivals have been carried out under high alert for terrorist threats. France as a whole has been under a state of emergency since the November 13, 2015, terrorist attacks in the Paris region that killed 130 people. More recently, a shooting targeting French police on the Avenue des Champs Elysées left one officer dead on April 20.

Advice

Individuals in Cannes are advised to carry proper identification at all times, to cooperate with authorities, and to expect traffic delays throughout the festival period. Due to the ever-present terrorist threat, individuals throughout France are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious objects and behavior to the relevant authorities.