French protest ban ‘first in Europe’

A ban placed by the government of France on protests against Israeli action in Gaza is unprecedented in Europe and draws criticism for creating a threat to public order. The Socialist administration bars demonstrations against the conflict in the capital Paris, the Mediterranean city of Nice and the suburb of Sarcelles.  A statement issued by the Greens Party:

This ban on demonstrations, which was decided at the last minute, actually increases the risk of public disorder. It’s a first in Europe.

A spokesman for the Party of the Indigenous of the Republic (PIR):

France is criminalising any show of solidarity with the Palestinian people. This is an absolute outrage, it is a continuation of attempts to muzzle the Palestinian people and to get them and their supporters in France to surrender absolutely to Israel’s oppression