Demonstration prohibited in Montpellier

On Saturday, October 24, the prefecture of Hérault banned a planned demonstration in Montpellier. The decision prohibits any gathering in the city center and suspends public transport within the city limits.

Local officials criticize the ban

Manu Reynaud, deputy mayor and head of the Ecologists of Montpellier, called the decision "clearly not the right answer." He described Montpellier as "a city under a bell jar," suggesting it is being isolated from public expression.

Condemnation of violence

Reynaud and his colleagues condemned the violence and looting that occurred on October 17, which injured police officers and harmed local businesses. They emphasized that such actions do not represent the views of peaceful demonstrators.

Call for better security, not restrictions

Reynaud argued that the appropriate response to the violence is to improve security and organize events more effectively, not to suppress the right to demonstrate entirely. He stressed that restricting an entire city's freedoms is not the solution.