A French court rejected a union appeal without a hearing, citing restrictive syndical rules and claims of violent youth, drawing criticism over freedom of assembly.
Court rejects appeal without hearing
The administrative court in Besançon has rejected an appeal from an inter-union group without holding a contradictory hearing, according to the group, which includes unions such as Solidaires, FO, CGT, FSU, and LDH.Two reasons cited for rejection
The court cited two main reasons for rejecting the appeal. One relates to the requirement of a prior syndical declaration, a condition the unions argue limits the right to demonstrate. They described this reason as "in a way expected."Surprise at second reason
The unions expressed surprise at the second reason, which cited the presence of 1500 "very aggressive" young people in Besançon on October 17. They challenged the credibility of this number, stating that the demonstration on that date gathered approximately 15,000 people in a peaceful procession.Criticism of judicial decision
The inter-union group criticized the judicial decision, stating it "confirms serious violations of freedoms in our country." France Insoumise in Besançon also expressed regret over the court's decision, claiming it "violates a fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution, the right to demonstrate."Council of State's stance
Activists from the group noted that the Council of State had indicated on Friday that Emmanuel Macron's statements requiring prior syndical declarations had no validity. They also criticized the argument that portrays young people as violent.
