The Paris police prefecture has banned a "Solidarity with the Palestinian people" demonstration organized on Sunday at the Place de la République by the New Anti-Capitalist Party (NPA), under investigation for glorifying terrorism, it was learned on Friday.
The rally, declared Wednesday, was banned for risk of disturbing public order, the prefecture said, like all pro-Palestinian demonstrations in France, after the surprise attack Saturday of the Islamist movement Hamas against Israel, triggering a bloody war.
A press release from the NPA at the origin of the investigation
Gérald Darmanin on Thursday ordered all prefects to ban "pro-Palestinian demonstrations, because they are likely to generate disturbances to public order," adding that "the organization of these banned demonstrations (should) give rise to arrests."
On Thursday, a banned demonstration in support of the Palestinians drew about 3,000 people in Republic Square. In the early evening, protesters were dispersed by tear gas and a water cannon. A dozen people were arrested.
The NPA, a far-left party, is the target of an investigation led by the criminal brigade of the judicial police, referred to by the National Unit for the Fight against Online Hate (PNLH) of the Paris prosecutor's office. The investigation targets a statement issued by the NPA on Saturday reiterating "its support for the Palestinians and the means of struggle they have chosen to resist."