The prefect of police announced, Thursday, February 10, to ban "freedom convoys" in Paris, inspired by a movement launched in Canada to protest against health restrictions, which planned to "block the capital" from Friday.
“A specific device will be put in place (…) to prevent the blocking of roads, verbalize and challenge violators of this ban”, added the police headquarters in a press release.
>> To read - The Canadian "Freedom Convoy", a movement closer to QAnon than to the Yellow Vests
"Firm instructions"
Thousands of opponents of the vaccine pass have announced on social networks that they want to "drive on Paris" as part of "freedom convoys", inspired by Canadian truckers who block the center of their country's capital, Ottawa.
Several convoys have already left Nice, Bayonne and Perpignan on Wednesday.
They plan to reach Paris on Friday evening and some then call to join Brussels for a "European convergence" scheduled for Monday February 14.
The prefect of police, who gave "firm instructions" to the police, recalls that obstructing traffic is punishable by a two-year prison sentence, a fine of 4,500 euros, immobilization and impoundment of the vehicle, halving of the maximum number of driving license points and suspension for a maximum of three years.
"The organizer of a prohibited demonstration can be punished by six months' imprisonment and a fine of 7,500 euros and the participants will be fined with a fourth class fine", or 135 euros, adds the prefecture.
With AFP
The summary of the
France 24 week invites you to come back to the news that marked the week
I subscribe
Take international news everywhere with you!
Download the France 24 app
google-play-badge_FR