A French court suspended a ban on protective gear at gatherings, calling it disproportionate. Youth mobilizations face legal challenges over restrictive measures.
Court suspends ban on protective gear
The administrative court in Toulouse has suspended a local government rule that banned protective equipment at gatherings in Ariège. The court ruled that the measure was too broad and not justified.Judge calls the rule disproportionate
The judge said the rule, which prohibited equipment that could hinder law enforcement, was not suitable or proportional to maintaining public order. She also claimed it risked violating basic freedoms like the right to gather and move freely.Suspension applies to one part of the decree
The court’s decision only affects one part of the local government’s October 9 decree. Other parts of the decree that regulate gatherings or equipment are still in effect.Youth protests trigger legal challenges
The legal action comes in response to youth protests that began in late September 2026. Since then, several local governments have introduced rules to limit gatherings near schools and control the equipment used by protesters.Rights groups challenge multiple decrees
The League for Human Rights and the French Bar Association have challenged dozens of similar decrees across different regions. They argue that the short time between issuing and enforcing these rules makes it hard to appeal them in court.Many restrictions have been suspended
According to the League for Human Rights, about half of the court decisions in these cases have led to the suspension of the restrictions. Some rules have even been withdrawn by authorities before courts made a decision.
