France: Activists to demonstrate in multiple cities Jan. 30

Event

Civil rights activists plan to gather in multiple cities Jan. 30 to denounce a security law that they argue contravenes civil liberties. The largest event will be in Paris, where activists will gather at Place de la Republique from 1200; attendance will likely be in the thousands. Organizers have also announced demonstrations at the following locations:

• Bordeaux: Place de la Bourse from 1430

• Dijon: Place de la Liberation from 1400

• Grenoble: Place Verdun from 1400

• Le Mans: Prefecture Building from 1500

• Lille: Porte de Paris from 1400

• Lyon: Place du Marechal Lyautey from 1300

• Marseille: Location TBC, likely Old Port

• Montpellier: Town Hall from 1100

• Nancy: Place de la Republique from 1100

• Nice: Gare de Nice-Ville from 1300

• Toulon: Place de l'Opera from 1000

• Toulouse: Allee Jean Jaures from 1330

Further actions will take place in additional towns and cities nationwide. Attendance will vary by location from dozens to possibly thousands of people at larger actions. Specific protest locations in these cities could change at short notice following requests from authorities.

Heightened security, as well as localized business and transport disruptions, are likely near the protest sites, especially for gatherings with larger turnouts. Large crowds and associated security measures will likely prompt public transport disruptions around protest locations. Authorities could divert public transport in affected areas. Current coronavirus disease (COVID-19) measures in France severely restrict public gatherings; authorities may attempt to disperse protests if demonstrators fail to observe COVID-19 restrictions. Activists seeking to circumvent security cordons could gather in other parts of affected cities.

Isolated clashes between police and protesters are likely. Previous protests over the same issue have concluded in violence. Activists associated with the Yellow Vest anti-government group plan on attending many of the actions; Yellow Vest actions have a high propensity to escalate to clashes with security forces. Authorities may resort to riot-control measures, including tear gas and water cannon if activists do not comply with police orders. While bystanders are unlikely to be targeted, they could face an indirect threat of physical harm.

Context

The French government introduced the proposed legislation in November 2020, prompting human rights and media organizations to criticize a specific article of the proposed law that would make it a criminal offense to share images of security services in certain circumstances. They claim this article would limit press freedom and, more broadly, impinge on human rights. Activists initially held protests outside the National Assembly building Nov. 17 as Parliament debated and passed the bill. Protests have since expanded and have taken place in cities nationwide each subsequent Saturday, drawing thousands of participants.

French lawmakers have subsequently agreed to review the particular article; however, multiple human rights organizations have raised concerns with other sections of the proposed security law and are demanding further reviews before the bill passes through the Senate. As a result, activists continue to stage regular mass protests on Saturdays in cities nationwide; in larger cities, these actions have shown a high propensity to devolve into clashes between police and unruly participants. These protests are likely to continue over the coming weeks, particularly as the Senate will vote on the proposed law in January, or until organizers receive what they deem are acceptable concessions from the government.

Advice

Avoid all protests due to possible clashes. Heed instructions from authorities and leave the area at the first sign of confrontation. Check public transport schedules and local traffic conditions for disruptions before beginning journeys. Allow extra time for travel in protest-affected areas Jan. 30.