Activists to protest outside French Embassy in Stockholm November 20

Event

Activists plan to demonstrate outside the French Embassy on Kommedorsgaten in Stockholm on Friday, November 20. The protest is being held to denounce French President Emmanuel Macron's recent vow to fight 'Islamist separatism'. Demonstrators will gather between 12:00 and 14:00 (local time).

Whilst the protest is not expected to be particularly well-attended, localized transport disruptions and a heightened security presence are possible in the vicinity of the embassy during the demonstration.

Context

Tensions over the response of the French government to recent Islamist attacks and terrorism in the country have been increasing since the murder of teacher Samuel Paty by an alleged Islamist extremist in the northern Paris suburb of Conflans-Sainte-Honorine on October 16. The attack prompted an outpouring of support in France and a strong response from the government which saw dozens arrested and several organizations and mosques closed in a widespread crackdown on alleged Islamic extremism. However, comments from President Emmanuel Macron regarding religious rights and freedom of expression and the display of controversial cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad at solidarity rallies following the attack have since prompted accusations of Islamophobia from several Muslim political and religious leaders around the world.

Dozens of protests over the crackdown and French government policies have since been held outside French embassies and consulates in multiple countries over the last few weeks, including Turkey, Bangladesh, Iran, Mali, Mauritania, Libya, Pakistan, and Indonesia, some of which have drawn thousands of participants. There have also been widespread calls for a boycott of French goods, particularly foodstuffs, in Muslim-majority countries, with the protest being supported by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and several other Muslim leaders.

Advice

Those in Stockholm are advised to monitor the situation, avoid the vicinity of the embassy during the demonstration, anticipate possible associated disruption to transport, and heed all instructions issued by local authorities.