19 Jun 2020 | 09:36 PM UTC
France: Protests against racism and police brutality to be staged nationwide June 20 /update 2
Protests against racism and police brutality to be staged in Paris and other major urban centres nationwide on June 20; avoid all protests as a precaution
Event
On Saturday, June 20, protests over alleged police violence and racial discrimination are planned in Paris and other major urban centers across the country, following recent related rallies on June 13. A coronavirus disease (COVID-19)-related ban on gatherings of more than ten people was lifted on June 13 and gatherings of fewer than 5000 people are authorised, however social distancing is still being encouraged.
A heightened security presence and associated disruptions are to be expected in the vicinity of all demonstrations.
Context
Similar rallies on June 13 in Paris, Lille (Hauts-de-France region), Lyon (Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region) and Marseille (Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur region) were dispersed by the police with tear gas. The protests were held in opposition to the police-related death of George Floyd in the US and the death of Adama Traoré in French police custody in 2016.
Advice
Individuals in Paris and across metropolitan areas in France are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.
