France: Anti-terrorism bill to be ratified Oct. 3

Event

On Tuesday, October 3, Parliament is expected to ratify a controversial anti-terrorism bill which will effectively make various counter-terrorism powers granted by the state of emergency into common law as of November 1. The bill has been widely criticized by human rights groups, which claim it strengthens executive and administrative powers at the expense of the judicial branch. If ratified, state officials and prefects will be allow to search individuals and vehicles, shut down places of worship, search private residences, and enforce house arrests.

Meanwhile, five individuals were arrested on Monday, October 2, as part of a larger counter-terrorism investigation launched after gas bottles were found in the 16th district of Paris on Friday night. Among the five individuals, one was already known to police for his radical ideas.

Context

A state of emergency was declared in France on November 14, 2015, following the deadly attacks against the satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo in January and the series of attacks on November 13. It was later extended on various occasions due to the prevailing terrorist threat.

This bill will be ratified just three days after the fatal double stabbing in Marseille on October 1. The assailant, who was shot shortly after the attack, is believed to have been radicalized.

Advice

Individuals are advised to remain vigilant, to adhere to local instructions, and to report any suspicious behavior.