France: Activists to protest against COVID-19 measures in urban centers Aug. 21

Event

Activists plan to demonstrate in urban centers nationwide Aug. 21; protests are also likely, Aug. 22. 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. Three gathering points are being circulated: Place du Chatelet at 12:00; Ministry of Social Affairs and Health also at 12:00 and; Place Denfer-Rochereau from 14:30. Additional protests are planned at the following times and locations, Aug. 21:

• Bordeaux: Place de la Victoire, 11:00 and related motorcycle protest in the city center, 13:00

• Clermont Ferrand: Place de Jaude, 14.00

• Dijon: Place de la Republique, 14:00

• Grenoble: Place Verdun, 14:30

• Le Havre: Hotel de Ville, 14:00

• Lille: Place de la Republique, 12:00

• Lyon: Rue de Lac, 12:00; Gare des Brotteaux, 14:00

• Marseille: Vieux-Port, 14:00

• Metz: Place de la Republique, 14:00

• Montpellier: Place de la Comedie, 1400

• Nice: Place Garibaldi, 14:00

• Rennes: Place de la Republique, 14:00

• Rouen: Hotel de Ville, 14:00

• Strasbourg: Place Kleber, 14:00

• Toulouse: Metro Jean-Jaures, 14:00

Additional demonstrations are planned in other urban centers through Aug. 21. Related actions will likely take place nationwide through at least Aug. 22; 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. 22. Check for transport disruptions and allow extra time for travel in affected locations.