31 Oct 2018 | 02:17 PM UTC
France: Potential for Halloween-related unrest October 31
Social media posts reportedly call for Halloween-night unrest and attacks on police October 31; heightened security measures and traffic disruptions expected
Event
Unconfirmed social media posts have reportedly called for unrest in Paris and other large urban areas during the nighttime hours (local time) of Halloween on Wednesday, October 31. The posts have called on people to set fire to cars and trash cans, and to carry out attacks on police. A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are to be expected near sites of unrest.
Context
On October 29, the National Police reported that they arrested at least two individuals who encouraged a "purge," including attacks on police, during Halloween-night unrest. Localized instances of unrest took place in large urban areas of France on October 31, 2017, during which groups burned cars and attacked police.
Advice
Individuals in France, and particularly those in Paris, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all demonstrations as a precaution, prepare for traffic disruptions, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.
