France, Belgium: Authorities in Paris and Brussels issue orders prohibiting vehicle convoy protests through Feb. 14 /update 1

Event

Heightened security is likely in and around Paris and Brussels over the coming days after authorities in the two cities issued orders Feb. 10 strictly prohibiting all vehicular convoy protests through at least Feb. 14. The edicts are in direct response to the imminent arrival of the so-called "Freedom Convoys" - a series of motorcade protest actions taking place in several countries around the world to demand that all COVID-19 restrictions be lifted and to condemn vaccine mandates, as well as to show solidarity with the truckers' protests currently taking place across Canada. Convoys from various parts of France are slated to converge on Paris Feb. 11 before continuing on to Brussels to link up with similar activist groups that will be arriving in the Belgian capital Feb. 14. Organizers also plan to hold disruptive rallies in both cities.

Authorities in Paris plan to deploy an increased police presence across the city through Feb. 14 specifically for the purpose of preventing protester roadblocks, as well as issuing citations to or arresting individuals who violate the order. French police have also warned of stiff penalties for violating the demonstration ban. Brussels officials, on the other hand, have not released details of specific security measures they will implement in their city; however, their plan will likely mirror that of their French counterparts.

Freedom Convoy organizers have as yet released no official statement concerning the bans and it remains unclear whether the police orders will have any significant impact on their plans. Individual convoys began moving from some parts of France as early as Feb. 7. According to the current itinerary, the various motorcades will arrive in Paris nearly simultaneously Feb. 11, with a series of disruptive demonstrations taking place at unspecified locations within the city. Participants will depart Paris at about 13:30 Feb. 13, traveling along the A1 motorway to Lille where they will assemble in the vicinity of Lille-Lesquin Airport (LIL). During the morning of Feb. 14, the convoy is slated to depart Lille and move along the A27, E429, and E19 to Brussels.

The potential for transport disruptions and security disturbances, including localized clashes, will likely be elevated if protest convoys attempt to enter Paris or Brussels in violation of the prohibitions. Regardless, authorities will almost certainly deploy an increased police presence at strategic locations along anticipated convoy routes. Significant traffic disruptions are possible, especially in cities transited by the motorcades.

Advice

Allow extra time to reach destinations in affected areas of France and Belgium through at least the end of the day on Feb. 14. Plan accordingly for increased crowding on public transportation. Heed the instructions of local security personnel. As a precaution, keep away from any rallies that may materialize or locations where law enforcement personnel appear to be deploying; leave the area at the first sign of any confrontation.