20 Apr 2024 | 06:58 PM UTC
France: Activist groups to demonstrate in central Paris April 21 /update 3
Activist groups to protest in central Paris, France, during the afternoon of April 21. Increased security likely.
Two activist groups plan to stage unrelated demonstrations in Paris during the afternoon of April 21. The first, and probably larger of the two events will begin at 14:00 with participants assembling at the Barbes Metro Station before marching across the city's 10th Arrondissement to Place de la Republique. The purpose of the march is to condemn racism and islamophobia. The Paris Police Prefecture had initially banned this event due to security concerns; however, that order was subsequently overturned by an administrative court. Organizers have not announced a specific march route; however, the demonstrators will probably follow Boulevard de Magenta. Previous demonstrations over the same issue have attracted several thousand participants.
A second demonstration calling for solidarity with the people of Haiti will take place at Place de la Bastille from 14:30. It remains unclear how many participants this rally may draw.
Police will almost certainly deploy to monitor the two protest, with a particularly heavy presence of officers in the 10th Arrondissement. Localized transport disruptions are likely. Clashes between police and demonstrators, as well as among activists from rival camps, cannot be ruled out.
Avoid the proposed protest sites as a standard precaution. Allow additional time if traveling near the affected areas. Strictly heed all instructions from law enforcement officers. Immediately depart the area at the first sign of any security disturbance.
