The “freedom convoy” that aims to head to Paris will not be able to demonstrate in the streets or imitate its Canadian counterpart, which is blocking traffic in Ottawa. The Paris Police Prefect has banned all demonstrations this Thursday, February 10, from Friday to Monday, in the Capital.
Members of this movement set out on February 9 in the form of several processions from various cities across France, with the Capital as their target. They intended to demonstrate there this Friday, February 11. The convoy and its demands focus on the withdrawal of the health pass and all measures related to Covid-19.
In a statement, Didier Lallement mentioned “the risks of public order disturbances that this gathering could cause.” According to the Prefect, this mobilization had the “stated objective (…) to block the capital by obstructing road traffic in the streets of Paris.” Consequently, the police prefecture indicated that a “specific arrangement will be implemented (…) to prevent the blockage of roadways, issue fines, and arrest those violating this ban.”
He reminds us that obstructing traffic is punishable by a 4,500-euro fine, vehicle immobilization, points deduction, and a maximum three-year suspension of the driver’s license. He adds that organizing a demonstration that would block roadways is punishable by six months’ imprisonment and a 75,000-euro fine. As for the participants, each risks a 135-euro fine.
Paris banned, Brussels also
Among the members of the movement, some have called to join the city of Brussels on February 14. However, through its mayor, Philippe Close, the latter announced that “measures are in place to prevent the blockade of the Brussels-Capital Region.” This announcement coincides with that of Paris. The decision was motivated by the fact that no request for authorization was submitted. It was made by both the regional executive (Belgium is a federal country divided into three regions) and the Minister of the Interior.
This measure also applies as a precaution against potential Belgian protesters or those who might already be on the territory. Their vehicles will be redirected to a large parking area.
