France: Activists to protest against COVID-19 measures in urban centers Aug. 13-14

Event

Activists plan to demonstrate in urban centers nationwide through at least Aug. 14. The action is to denounce measures imposed to combat the spread of COVID-19, particularly compulsory vaccinations for health care workers and the mandate that individuals possess a Health Pass to access certain facilities, patronize certain establishments, or attend particular functions.

The most disruptive actions are likely to take place in Paris Aug. 14. Three gathering points are being circulated for Paris: Porte Doree at 11:30, before marching to Place de Clichy from around 13:00; Place de la Bourse at 13:30 before marching to Place de Palais, and; Place de Catalogne at 14:30, before heading to Port-Royal. Additional protests are planned at the following times and locations:

13 August

• Paris: Place de la Republique, 19:00

• Le Havre: Hotel de Ville, 20:00

• Toulouse: Place du Capitole, 19:00

14 August

• Bordeaux: Place de la Bourse and related motorcycle protest in city center, 13:00

• Clermont Ferrand: Place de Jaude, 14.00

• Dijon: Place de la Republique, 14:00

• Le Havre: Hotel de Ville, 14:00

• Lille: Place de la Republique, 14:00

• Lyon: Esplanade Francois Mitterrand, 11:00; Gare des Brotteaux, 14:00

• Marseille: Vieux-Port, 14:00

• Nancy: Place Maginot, 14:00

• Nice: Place Garibaldi, 14:00

• Orleans: March from Place de la Republique, 14:30

• Rennes: Place de la Republique, 14:00

• Strasbourg: Place Kleber, 14:00

• Toulouse: Metro Jean-Jaures, 14:00

Additional demonstrations are planned in other urban centers through Aug. 14; likely venues include town halls, regional government offices, central squares and major thoroughfares. Demonstration locations could be changed at late notice. Participation will vary significantly by location but will likely be in the tens of thousands at larger gatherings.

Additional police will deploy to monitor all demonstrations. Large numbers of people and associated security measures will likely prompt localized transport disruptions; public transport services may be canceled or diverted. Activists associated with the Yellow Vests anti-government movement are likely to take part in several of the demonstrations. Actions attended by Yellow Vest activists have an increased likelihood of escalation to violence. If activists do not comply with police orders, authorities could resort to riot-control measures, including tear gas and water cannon. While bystanders are unlikely to be directly targeted in any violence, they would face an indirect threat of harm.

Advice

Avoid all demonstrations as a routine security precaution and mitigate associated disruptions. Heed instructions from security services and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation. Monitor local media sources for up-to-date information on planned demonstrations through at least Aug. 14. Check for transport disruptions and allow extra time for travel in affected locations.