France: Ongoing environmental action protest in Paris April 19 /update 1

Event

Supporters of civil society groups Greenpeace, ANV-COP21, and Friends of the Earth are blocking access to several multinational headquarters located in La Défense business district of the capital Paris, as of the morning (local time) of Friday, April 19. Police forces have reportedly used pepper spray to disperse one of the groups blocking the entrance of a bank.

Protesters had called for "non-violent disruptive" protests across France - under the banner "Day of Civil Disobedience" - on Friday, to demand action on climate issues. Further disruptions are possible in Paris over the coming hours and associated demonstrations are possible in other cities across France.

A heightened security presence along with significant traffic disruptions are expected around any demonstration sites. Further demonstration activities in the days following April 19 cannot be ruled out.

Context

Similar gatherings organized by the Extinction Rebellion group have taken place in Central London beginning on April 15, leading to road closures, significant traffic congestion, and severe disruptions to public transportation and local businesses. The so-called "shut down London" protests are expected to continue until at least April 29. 

Advice

Individuals in France - and in particular Paris - are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.