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Court overturns government ban on Muslim event
A Paris administrative court ruled against a government decree banning the Annual Encounter of Muslims of France, allowing the four-day event to proceed as scheduled on Friday afternoon.
The decision came just two hours before the 14:00 (13:00 BST) start time, following an emergency appeal by organizers, the Muslims of France (MF) association.
Security concerns raised by authorities
Paris police had argued the gathering posed a terrorism risk, citing a "particularly tense" national and international climate. Authorities warned the event could attract far-right groups or foreign interference, potentially straining security resources.
France has previously accused Russia and Iran of funding small-scale provocations to fuel domestic tensions.
Court dismisses police arguments
The court found no evidence supporting claims of counter-demonstrations or far-right threats. It also rejected the notion that the event would overburden police, noting organizers had arranged additional private security.
"The elements provided by police did not establish the risk of disruption," the ruling stated.
Organizers denounce political motives
The MF association, France's largest Muslim organization, called the ban a violation of fundamental freedoms and linked it to the government's proposed "anti-separatism" legislation.
Critics claim the group has ties to the Muslim Brotherhood, though the MF denies this allegation.
"This is a manifest breach of the right to assemble," said MF lawyer Sefen Guez Guez, accusing the government of using the ban to advance its new law.
Government defends public order rationale
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez framed the ban as a security measure, not a targeted action against Muslims. He cited ongoing efforts to close associations promoting "Islamic separatism" under existing laws and announced plans to expand oversight of childcare facilities and hate speech publications.
A police lawyer echoed this stance, stating the decree aimed solely to "preserve public order."
Event resumes after four-year hiatus
The Annual Encounter, a mix of religious conference and trade fair, last took place in 2019. Historically, it has drawn tens of thousands of attendees from across Europe.
