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.
But 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 1400 (13:00 BST) opening. In its ruling, 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.
The court also dismissed the argument that the event would pose an unacceptable strain on police resources, noting that the organisers had assured additional security.
Part cultural and religious conference, part trade fair, the gathering used to be an annual event but has not been held since 2019, regularly attracting tens of thousands from across Europe.
The Muslims of France association, France's largest Muslim organization, has been criticized for alleged ties to the international Muslim Brotherhood, although it denies this.
Earlier, the Paris police department justified the ban, citing an international and national context which is particularly tense, stating that the gathering was exposed to an important terrorist risk toward the Muslim community.
In a detailed justification, the police noted the possibility of small far-right groups disrupting the event and suggested potential remote actions conducted by foreign influences, blaming nations like Russia for inciting tensions within France.
The government's stance comes amid plans for a new anti-separatism law aimed at Muslim organizations promoting views seen as contrary to republican principles, highlighting ongoing tensions surrounding religious communities in France. Critics fear this legislative push is a means to suppress the freedom of assembly and speech for Muslims in the country.
But 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 1400 (13:00 BST) opening. In its ruling, 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.
The court also dismissed the argument that the event would pose an unacceptable strain on police resources, noting that the organisers had assured additional security.
Part cultural and religious conference, part trade fair, the gathering used to be an annual event but has not been held since 2019, regularly attracting tens of thousands from across Europe.
The Muslims of France association, France's largest Muslim organization, has been criticized for alleged ties to the international Muslim Brotherhood, although it denies this.
Earlier, the Paris police department justified the ban, citing an international and national context which is particularly tense, stating that the gathering was exposed to an important terrorist risk toward the Muslim community.
In a detailed justification, the police noted the possibility of small far-right groups disrupting the event and suggested potential remote actions conducted by foreign influences, blaming nations like Russia for inciting tensions within France.
The government's stance comes amid plans for a new anti-separatism law aimed at Muslim organizations promoting views seen as contrary to republican principles, highlighting ongoing tensions surrounding religious communities in France. Critics fear this legislative push is a means to suppress the freedom of assembly and speech for Muslims in the country.
