France: Activists plan to demonstrate in multiple cities Jan. 9 to denounce security law

Event

Civil rights activists plan to gather in multiple cities across France Jan. 9 to denounce a security law which they argue contravenes civil liberties. Organizers have announced demonstrations at the following locations:

• Avignon: Place de l'Horloge from 1400.

• Bordeaux: Place de la Bourse from 1400.

• Caen: Boulevard Marechal Leclerc from 1430.

• Gueret: Esplanade Francois Mitterand from 1100.

• Lyon: Place Guichard from 1400.

• Poitiers: Hotel de Ville from 1500.

• Rouen: Palais de Justice from 1400.

• Strasbourg: Place de la Republique from 1300.

• Toulon: Place de l'Opera from 1000.

• Quimperle: Place Saint-Michel from 1500.

Attendance will vary by location; dozens to a few hundred people may participate in each demonstration. Smaller gatherings are possible in other urban centers nationwide.

Heightened security, as well as localized business and transport disruptions, are likely near the protest sites, especially for gatherings with larger turnouts. Authorities could divert public transport in affected areas. Clashes between police and activists are possible. 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.

Activists associated with the Yellow Vests anti-government movement have previously taken part in many of the protests; 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, 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 violent 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. 9.