Anger against police violence, part of the United States, is spreading all over the world. Protests have taken place in Canada, the United Kingdom and Germany. In France, several rallies are planned in the coming days, after a strong mobilization Tuesday in Paris in support of the family of Adama Traoré, named after this young man who died in 2016 after a brutal arrest.
Two events are thus organized on Saturday in Paris, in front of the American embassy and on the Champ-de-Mars. But the prefecture of police has issued an order prohibiting the two rallies, in accordance with the sanitary measures in force due to the pandemic.
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Prohibitions due to the health context
The two rallies planned in front of the American Embassy in Paris, in tribute to George Floyd, were this time declared in good and due form to the prefecture. But the sector is forbidden to any event because it is a sensitive place. Above all, the prefect of police highlights the health risk. In Île-de-France, gatherings of more than 10 people remain effectively prohibited.
"These gatherings, likely to rally many people, are not authorized by the decree of May 31, 2020 relating to the state of health emergency which prohibits any gathering, in the public space, of more than ten people", is it specified in a press release.
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Organizers keep the rally going
The press release also alludes to the "incidents and violence" which took place on the sidelines of the prohibited demonstration on June 2. This rally, organized at the call of the family support committee of Adama Traoré, a 24-year-old black man who died in 2016 after his arrest by the gendarmes, brought together 20,000 people before the Paris Tribunal de Grande Instance.
"The peaceful Parisian demonstration (...) is maintained," reacted on Facebook the African Black Defense League, organizer of the rally. "Demonstrating is an inalienable right when violence, negrophobia and racism (...) have become norms," she adds.
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Other gatherings planned in the region
Another call to gather on the Champ-de-Mars, still in Paris, was also launched on the networks. No statement has yet been made in the prefecture, the demonstration has therefore not been prohibited.
Other events are planned in the regions, such as in Rennes, Strasbourg or Poitiers. Government spokeswoman Sibeth Ndiaye said Friday morning that due to the health situation, these protests "should not be held," prompting other forms of expression.