France bans pro-Palestinian rallies in Paris, and organizers adhere to them

French media reported, on Friday, that local authorities decided to ban pro-Palestinian rallies in the capital, Paris.

“There is a real possibility of serious disturbances in public order as well as violations against Israeli temples and interests,” the website “francetvinfo”, citing Paris police chief Didier Lallmann, mentioned a pro-Palestinian demonstration that took place in Paris in 2014 that turned into clashes.

“Since 2014, many demonstrations have been organized in defense of the Palestinian cause, and they have taken place without any problem,” he added.

In the same context, the organizers of a demonstration scheduled for Saturday in Paris, in support of the Palestinian people, announced that they would continue to conduct it despite a decision issued by the judiciary that confirmed its ban.

The Palestinian Organization, in the Ile-de-France region, one of a group of 27 organizations, said on Friday, shortly after the court confirmed the ban: “Because we refuse to silence our solidarity with the Palestinian people and because we will not be prevented from demonstrating, we will be present (at Metro) Barbess (north of the French capital) tomorrow at 15:00.

Lawyer Seven Guise said, “France is the only democratic country that prohibits such a demonstration!” Considering that the decision to ban it is an attack on freedom of expression. He also denounced the “political” nature of this decision, “which was taken at the request of Interior Minister Gerald Darmanan.”