A major gathering of Muslims in northern Paris is going ahead as planned after a French court overturned a government bid to ban it. The Paris police department argued that the four-day Annual Encounter of Muslims of France was a security threat because it could be a target of terrorism. However, the organisers – the Muslims of France (MF) association – sought an emergency injunction to let the event go ahead, arguing that a ban would be a breach of basic liberties. The administrative court agreed and overturned the government decree, just two hours before the planned 1400 (13:00 BST) opening.
In its ruling, the court stated that elements provided by police did not establish the risk of counter-demonstrations, or that the gathering would be targeted by far-right groups. It also dismissed the argument that the event would pose an unacceptable strain on police resources, noting that the organisers had themselves assured extra security.
Part cultural and religious conference, part trade fair, the gathering used to be an annual event but has not been held since 2019. Before that, it regularly drew tens of thousands of people from across Europe. The Muslims of France association, France's biggest Muslim body, is said by critics to be close to the international Muslim Brotherhood, although it denies that.
Earlier, in justifying the ban, the Paris police department stated that in an international and national context which is particularly tense, the gathering was exposed to an important terrorist risk toward the Muslim community. The police cited the potential for small far-right groups to disrupt the event in a climate of political agitation and debate polarization.
The French government has been under scrutiny as it implements a new anti-separatism law aimed at Muslim organizations that promote ideas seen as contrary to French republican values. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez explained that the goal is to complement a previous law allowing the closure of groups accused of Islamic separatism. Critics argue that the ban on the gathering reflects ongoing tensions around religious expression and state policies in France.
In its ruling, the court stated that elements provided by police did not establish the risk of counter-demonstrations, or that the gathering would be targeted by far-right groups. It also dismissed the argument that the event would pose an unacceptable strain on police resources, noting that the organisers had themselves assured extra security.
Part cultural and religious conference, part trade fair, the gathering used to be an annual event but has not been held since 2019. Before that, it regularly drew tens of thousands of people from across Europe. The Muslims of France association, France's biggest Muslim body, is said by critics to be close to the international Muslim Brotherhood, although it denies that.
Earlier, in justifying the ban, the Paris police department stated that in an international and national context which is particularly tense, the gathering was exposed to an important terrorist risk toward the Muslim community. The police cited the potential for small far-right groups to disrupt the event in a climate of political agitation and debate polarization.
The French government has been under scrutiny as it implements a new anti-separatism law aimed at Muslim organizations that promote ideas seen as contrary to French republican values. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez explained that the goal is to complement a previous law allowing the closure of groups accused of Islamic separatism. Critics argue that the ban on the gathering reflects ongoing tensions around religious expression and state policies in France.
