France: Peaceful protest to be staged in Paris June 20 /update 2

Event

Frances Chechen community have called for peaceful protests in Paris on Saturday, June 20, following recent unrest in the eastern city of Dijon (Burgundy region). Time and gathering points of the protests are not clear as of Friday, June 19.

Further clashes and policing operations are likely in Dijon in the medium term. Protests across Paris and other major urban centers are to be anticipated on June 20, along with a heightened security presence.

Context

Violence broke out in Dijon on Friday, June 12, when at least 100 Chechen youths allegedly arrived in the Gresilles suburb seeking retaliation for an assault on a Chechen teenager. Video imagery on social media outlets showed individuals armed with iron bars, baseball bats, and firearms. On Friday, the group reportedly attacked a hookah bar in the city center where the Chechen teenager had allegedly been attacked. Clashes and unrest continued in the city through to Monday, June 15. Reports indicate the assailants destroyed security cameras and set vehicles alight. Calm has been restored since Tuesday, June 16, and local police arrested at least six people suspected to be involved on Thursday, June 18.

Advice

Individuals in Paris are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.