Court partially lifts ban on demonstrations

The administrative court in Marseille partially lifted a ban on demonstrations planned for October 24 in the Bouches-du-Rhône department, allowing some gatherings in major cities. The decision came after an emergency hearing and was based on the argument that not all demonstrations posed a threat to public order.

Prefectural decree initially banned all protests

The regional prefect had initially announced a complete ban on all demonstrations—both declared and undeclared—on October 24 in Marseille and throughout the Bouches-du-Rhône. The decree cited security concerns and the need for police resources, affecting 31 communes with more than 10,000 residents.

Marseille allowed an exception for a labor demonstration

The prefecture later reversed its stance and allowed an intersyndical demonstration in Marseille on October 24, starting at 2 p.m. The route of the demonstration was designed to avoid the city's central area, ensuring minimal disruption and focusing on safety.

Court upheld partial restrictions due to past unrest

The court did not fully suspend the ban, citing past incidents like road blockages and public order disturbances in cities such as Aix-en-Provence and Arles. It acknowledged the need for police presence in Marseille to manage the syndical demonstration and prevent a recurrence of such events.

Legal arguments centered on proportionality and safety

During the emergency hearing, lawyers for the applicants argued that the ban was overly broad for the entire department. The prefect's representative countered by highlighting recent looting and violence in Marseille, calling it the most severe situation in years and justifying the restriction as a necessary safety measure.

Lawyers clashed over police role and proportionality

Lawyers for the applicants emphasized that the police should protect demonstrators, not prevent them. The prefect's representative insisted that the ban was the only proportional measure to ensure public safety, while noting that the exception for Marseille was justified due to the specific nature of the demonstration.