Demonstration on October 31: 4,200 people in the streets of Nice, several arrests

The declared demonstration organized this Saturday, October 31st in Nice brought together 4,200 people in a generally calm atmosphere. While the march dispersed without major incident, the evening was marked by several gatherings and mortar fire, resulting in new arrests.

The mobilization was particularly closely monitored this Saturday in Nice city center. After two previous weekends marked by violence and vandalism, authorities had strengthened security measures for this new day of demonstration. In response to the call from the Solidaires 06 union, 4,200 people ultimately marched through the streets of the Côte d’Azur capital, according to figures from the Alpes-Maritimes prefecture.

From the morning onwards, several shopkeepers located along the route had taken precautions. Terraces were taken in and some establishments lowered their metal shutters for an “exceptional closure.” The route had notably been designed to avoid Jean-Médecin avenue and the main shopping streets, already affected by vandalism on October 17th.

Starting from Masséna square at around 2:45 PM, the march reached Garibaldi square by passing through Jean-Jaurès boulevard and the port area. The demonstrators marched to the sound of music, carrying signs and union flags, notably those of CGT Education, Force ouvrière and Solidaires 06.

Several slogans were heard during the march, including “Youth doesn’t give a damn about the FN”, “Siamo tutti antifascisti” and also “Everyone hates fascists.” More festive moments also punctuated the mobilization, with musicians and dancers within the march.

Law enforcement carried out identity checks on Garibaldi square, particularly of people wearing masks or ACAB signs, despite existing restrictions. However, no major confrontations were reported during the declared demonstration.

A calm demonstration, then tensions as night fell

Dispersal began around 4:52 PM and took place without incident. Union speeches then took place on Masséna square, where the last participants gradually dispersed. A new call to demonstrate was issued for Thursday, November 5th at 10 AM.

In its assessment communicated early in the evening, the Alpes-Maritimes prefecture confirmed the absence of incidents during the declared gathering. “The demonstration took place calmly and no major incidents occurred”, indicated the State services, which also praised the police deployment put in place to secure participants and protect businesses.

The initial assessment reported seven arrests on the margins of the march and during checks at the train station. The stated reasons concerned notably the carrying of weapons, the wearing of masks concealing the face and disrespect.

However, the situation evolved after dispersal. Shortly before 7 PM, several masked and mobile groups formed in the city center. Law enforcement intervened to disperse these gatherings. Five additional arrests were subsequently announced around 7:20 PM, following mortar fire.

The day was also marked by a static gathering in support of Palestine on Garibaldi square. More than 70 people participated before dispersal at 6:15 PM, without incident.

In the Alpes-Maritimes, authorities had mobilized 650 national police officers and gendarmes to oversee the various gatherings and prevent further disturbances. In Nice, vigilance remains necessary for Halloween evening. A prefectural decree prohibits undeclared protest gatherings in the city centers of Nice and Cannes until 6 AM Sunday morning. A curfew affecting unaccompanied minors is also being enforced in several areas of the city, from 10 PM to 6 AM.