GENEVA, Oct 30 – France will deploy 70,000 police and law enforcement officers nationwide on Saturday as authorities prepare for another round of protests and possible public disturbances during Halloween celebrations.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez announced the security plan on Thursday. He said the operation would be similar to the deployment on Oct 24, with additional restrictions on demonstrations in some city centres.
Authorities Warn of Possible Disruptions
Nunez described Saturday as an unusual day with a high risk of public disorder. He said some gatherings could continue late into the evening.
Authorities are particularly concerned about calls for gatherings around 8pm. Nunez said some online messages had urged people to take part in what he described as violent actions, including calls for revolution or insurrection.
He warned that prohibited gatherings would be dispersed and could lead to arrests.
Extra Security Measures Across France
Local authorities are expected to introduce partial bans on demonstrations in city centres. The measures follow serious disturbances reported during protests on Oct 17.
Police will also increase checks on people entering cities. Security personnel will be positioned across the country to respond to potential incidents.
Nunez said he had instructed security forces to act firmly against public disorder.
Approved Demonstrations Will Remain Protected
Despite the planned restrictions, Nunez said demonstrations authorised by local authorities would remain protected.
He stressed that the measures would not remove the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.
The planned protests will mark the third consecutive Saturday of demonstrations in France. Previous gatherings took place on Oct 17 and Oct 24.
Source: BERNAMA | Rewritten By Minutesmy
