France: State of emergency ends November 1 /update 1

Event

France officially ended its two-year-long state of emergency on Wednesday, November 1, after a new anti-terrorism law entered into effect. The new law extends additional powers to police, including increased capability to search properties, engage in electronic surveillance, and close establishments considered to be extremist. While some conservative politicians have claimed the law does not provide enough power to security services, human rights groups have denounced it as an abuse of civil liberties. The law reportedly enjoys the support of over 80 percent of the French public.

Context

France was under a state of emergency after the November 13, 2015, terrorist attacks in the Paris region that killed 130 people. On June 6, a man armed with a hammer attacked a police officer in front of Notre Dame Cathedral; the officer was lightly wounded and the assailant was shot and killed. On April 20, a shooting targeting French police on the Avenue des Champs Elysées left one officer dead; the assailant was killed. In March, an armed man briefly took a French soldier hostage at Orly Airport before being shot dead.

There were regular demonstrations against the state of emergency since it was implemented.

Advice

Individuals in France are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the relevant authorities.