On the evening of Friday, October 13, the prefecture of Alpes-Maritimes published a tweet announcing the ban on the pro-Palestinian demonstration planned for this Saturday.
The tragic events in Israel and Palestine resonate strongly even within France. The presidential address on Thursday, October 12, attests to this. While Emmanuel Macron urged the French to “remain united to send a message of peace and security for the Middle East”, the tension in the country is palpable. Consequently, in this context, the demonstration initially planned for Garibaldi Square on Saturday has been prohibited by the prefecture.
The prefecture of Alpes-Maritimes is concerned about “risks of public disorder, confrontations between extremist activists, the persistence of the terrorist threat, and the resurgence of anti-Semitic acts.” Furthermore, it reminds that the organizers of this demonstration face six months of imprisonment and a 7,500-euro fine. Finally, if individuals persist in wanting to demonstrate, they risk a fine of 750 euros.
Moreover, this ban is part of a context of heightened tensions and unease on a national scale. The Ministry of the Interior has recently raised the Vigipirate plan to the emergency attack level.
An Online Petition
The France Palestine Solidarity Association still calls for the fight not to cease. It deplores the ban on demonstrations and invites people to sign a petition. They demand the immediate cessation of military operations against Gaza. To date, the petition has garnered more than 7,500 signatures.
