A major gathering of Muslims in northern Paris is going ahead as planned after a French court overturned a government bid to ban it. The Paris police department argued that the four-day Annual Encounter of Muslims of France was a security threat because it could be a target of terrorism. However, the organisers – the Muslims of France (MF) association – sought an emergency injunction to let the event go ahead, arguing that a ban would be a breach of basic liberties. The administrative court agreed and overturned the government decree, just two hours before the planned 14:00 (13:00 BST) opening.
The court stated that elements provided by police did not establish the risk of counter-demonstrations, or that the gathering would be targeted by far-right groups. It also dismissed the police's argument that the event would pose an unacceptable strain on police resources, noting that the organisers had assured extra security. The gathering serves as both a cultural and religious conference and a trade fair, which has not been held since 2019 and previously attracted tens of thousands from across Europe.
The MF organization, France's largest Muslim body, has faced criticism for alleged ties to the international Muslim Brotherhood, which they deny. Earlier, justifying the ban, the Paris police department stated that the gathering was 'exposed to an important terrorist risk toward the Muslim community' amidst a 'particularly tense' international and national context. They claimed that 'small far-right groups could mobilise with a view to disrupting the event' and also cited concerns about potential foreign influence in actions against the gathering.
This ruling follows France's announcements of new 'anti-separatism' laws aimed at structures that promote ideas contrary to the principles of the republic, specifically targeting Islamic structures. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez emphasized the government's need to control certain influences, particularly regarding activities like childcare and publications that encourage violence and discrimination. The legal battles around this event highlight ongoing tensions in France regarding freedom of assembly, public order, and the country's approach to multiculturalism.
The court stated that elements provided by police did not establish the risk of counter-demonstrations, or that the gathering would be targeted by far-right groups. It also dismissed the police's argument that the event would pose an unacceptable strain on police resources, noting that the organisers had assured extra security. The gathering serves as both a cultural and religious conference and a trade fair, which has not been held since 2019 and previously attracted tens of thousands from across Europe.
The MF organization, France's largest Muslim body, has faced criticism for alleged ties to the international Muslim Brotherhood, which they deny. Earlier, justifying the ban, the Paris police department stated that the gathering was 'exposed to an important terrorist risk toward the Muslim community' amidst a 'particularly tense' international and national context. They claimed that 'small far-right groups could mobilise with a view to disrupting the event' and also cited concerns about potential foreign influence in actions against the gathering.
This ruling follows France's announcements of new 'anti-separatism' laws aimed at structures that promote ideas contrary to the principles of the republic, specifically targeting Islamic structures. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez emphasized the government's need to control certain influences, particularly regarding activities like childcare and publications that encourage violence and discrimination. The legal battles around this event highlight ongoing tensions in France regarding freedom of assembly, public order, and the country's approach to multiculturalism.
