Yemen: Hundreds hold anti-Macron protest in Taiz October 30

Event

Hundreds of Yemenis held a protest in the city of Taiz on Friday, October 30, to demonstrate against perceived anti-Islam remarks made by French President Emmanuel Macron earlier in October. The protest took place in Freedom Square following Friday prayers.

A heightened security presence and localized disruptions are likely in the vicinity of all protests. Further related demonstrations cannot be ruled out.

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 week, 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 Taiz are advised to avoid the area in the near term. Travelers should be aware of an elevated threat against French nationals and interests in Yemen and other countries in the region and should exercise a heightened level of vigilance.