Agreement on demonstration route reached

Three days before the third phase of the national mobilization, scheduled for Saturday, October 31 in Lyon, the Rhône prefecture and the organizers of the demonstration have reached an agreement on the route of the procession. This decision follows previous issues with route planning and local restrictions.

Previous route caused confusion

On Saturday, October 24, a ban on demonstrating in a large part of the city center caused confusion among participants. The initially planned route crossed an area covered by the prefectural decree, which led to the cancellation of the declared route and required a new agreement.

Confirmed route and security measures

After a meeting with the organizers, a validated route between the Manufacture des Tabacs and Jean-Macé was confirmed. The Rhône prefecture specified that the route would pass through Garibaldi and Berthelot. The organizers also committed to increasing their security service to better supervise the procession.

Context of recent tensions

Last Saturday, the prefecture had banned demonstrations in a large area including the Presqu'île, part of Old Lyon, and several sectors on the left bank of the Rhône. Despite this, a gathering of more than a thousand people formed at Place Jean-Macé, outside the prohibited area. Police used tear gas to disperse the participants, leading to misunderstandings and confrontations.

Arrests and public order concerns

The police recorded 10,000 demonstrators and 29 arrests on October 24. Although the gathering was outside the prohibited area, it had not been declared, making it subject to dispersal. This led to several confrontations, notably in the Saxe-Gambetta area.

Security plans for the next mobilization

Authorities are preparing a "significant security arrangement" for the third Saturday of mobilization. The prefecture has reminded organizers of the doctrine of protection of people and property and the prevention of public order disturbances. However, the precise details of the police arrangement remain to be determined.