France: Activists to protest against COVID-19 measures in urban centers through at least Aug. 8

Event

Activists in France plan to demonstrate in urban centers nationwide through at least Aug. 8. The purpose of the action is to protest certain measures imposed to combat the spread of COVID-19, particularly compulsory vaccinations for health care workers and the mandate that individuals possess a health Health Pass to use certain facilities, patronize certain establishments, or attend particular functions, among other things.

The majority of actions likely to cause the most disruption are scheduled for Aug. 7. Three gathering points are being circulated for Paris: Metro Pont de Neuilly at 12:30 before marching to Place due Chatelet; Place de la Bastille at 14:00 and; Place Joffre at 14:30. Additional gathering points confirmed for Aug. 7 include:

• Bordeaux: Place de la Bourse, 13:30

• Clermont-Ferrand: Place de Jaude, 14:00

• Dijon: Place de la Republique, 14:00

• Grenoble: Place de Verdun, 14:30

• Lille: Place de la Republique, 10:00

• Lyon: Place des Terreaux, 14:00

• Marseille: Old Port, 14:00

• Metz: Place de la Republique, 14:00

• Montpellier: Place de la Comedie, 14:00

• Nice: Place Massena, 11:00 and Place Garibali, 14:00

• Perpignan: Place de Catalogne, 14:00

• Rennes: Place de la Republique, 14:00

• Rouen: Hotel de Ville, 14:00

• Strasbourg: Place Kleber, 14:00

• Toulouse: Jean Jaures, 14:00

• Valence: Prefecture, 12:00

Additional demonstrations are likely in further urban centers through Aug. 8; activists have called for gatherings outside town halls and regional government offices Aug. 5-6. Other likely locations include 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. 8. Check for transport disruptions and allow extra time for travel in affected locations.