The prefecture fears in particular the presence of a thousand activists, some of whom could seek the clash with the police.

The day will be under close surveillance. In Nantes, while calls to gather in tribute to Steve Maia Caniço, whose body was found in the Loire Monday, circulated on social networks, the prefecture announced Thursday night the ban on demonstrations, Saturday, in the downtown. The prefecture, which feared in particular the presence of radical elements within the processions, also planned different controls on roads and stations.

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The device adopted by the prefecture is similar to those set up for Saturday mobilization of "yellow vests", including an authorization to demonstrate on some major roads in Nantes, but with the ban of downtown for rallies, including most of the shopping streets. Meetings will also be prohibited in front of the castle of the dukes of Brittany, the station, the prefecture, as well as in front of the two police stations of the city. The perimeter will be cordoned off by the police. The ban will extend from 10 to 20 hours.

Preventive excavations in railway stations and on highways

Checks on bags and chests will also be put in place by the gendarmes on the various roads of the department, but also in the surrounding areas. The police can also carry out preventive searches in railway stations.

Finally, the prefect of Loire-Atlantique has prohibited the acquisition and possession of fireworks, jerry cans of gasoline, and weapons by destination. Indeed, the authorities fear the presence of militants seeking the clash with the police or the breakage. According to their estimates, 1,000 activists could be present, with a nucleus made up of local activists, but also some reinforcements from all over France.