France: Nationwide protests against security bill to be held November 28 /update 2

Event

Protests are expected across France on Saturday, November 28, as people gather to denounce a proposed amendment to national security laws. The largest of the demonstrations will be held at Place de la Republic in Paris from 14:00 (local time), where thousands are expected to gather.

Other demonstrations have been confirmed in the following locations:

• Angers: Place de Ralliement at 14:00
• Avignon: Allee de l'Oulle at 11:00
• Bordeaux: Place de la Bourse at 14:00
• Brest: Place de la Liberte at 15:00
• Caen: Place de la Republique at 14:30
• Grenoble: Place Verdun at 14:00
• Lille: Place de la Republique at 13:00
• Lyon: Place des Terreaux at 14:00
• Marseille: Old Port at 14:00
• Montpellier: Place Georges Freche at 11:00
• Metz: Place de la Republique at 14:00
• Rennes: Place de la Republique at 11:00
• Rouen: Palais de Justice at 15:30
• Strasbourg: Place de la Republique at 11:30
• Tours: Place Jean Jaures at 15:00

Further demonstrations are possible in other urban centers nationwide. Many of the demonstrations are predicted to be well attended and will likely be accompanied by a heightened security presence and localized disruptions to transport. Previous protests over the issue have led to clashes between protesters and security forces and similar incidents cannot be ruled out during Saturday's demonstrations.

Context

The proposed amendment to France's national security bill would place restrictions on the dissemination of video footage of police officers and gendarmes 'with intent to harm' their integrity. Critics of the bill have argued that 'intent' is a vague concept and hard to prove. Some fear it could be open for abuse from police and could ultimately lead to reporters being unable to do their job covering protests and demonstrations.

Advice

Those in France are advised to monitor the situation, avoid the demonstrations as a precaution, anticipate disruptions to transport and businesses in the vicinity of protests, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.