A Chechen refugee’s challenge to France’s restrictive MICAS orders highlights growing concerns over civil rights. Despite no criminal record, Khaled faces limits on movement amid heightened security for Strasbourg’s Christmas market. Courts call the measures excessive.
The first time French police informed a Chechen refugee in Strasbourg that he could not leave the city and had to report daily, he did not challenge the decision. With France ramping up security for the summer Olympics, he assumed authorities would dismiss his concerns due to his alleged ties to individuals labelled "pro-Jihadist."
When the Ministry of Interior extended the restrictions in August to protect Strasbourg’s Christmas market—targeted in a deadly 2018 attack—the refugee, known as Khaled, appealed to a local court.
Judges ruled the measures "disproportionate," lifting most restrictions except a ban on visiting the market. However, the decision came too late for Khaled to enrol in a cybersecurity course he had been accepted into.
"I lost my place. This year is wasted," said Khaled, who fears public exposure of his surveillance status could harm his future.
Friday’s deadly car-ramming attack at Germany’s Magdeburg Christmas market has renewed scrutiny of European security policies. However, French human rights activists and lawyers were already questioning the broad use of powers under a 2017 anti-terror law, particularly the controversial MICAS orders, which allow authorities to restrict individuals deemed potential threats without criminal charges.
According to a December parliamentary report, 547 people were subjected to MICAS orders during the Paris Olympics, with some extended for Christmas markets. Courts have overturned or suspended at least 55 of these orders this year due to insufficient evidence. Critics, including lawyers like David Poinsignon, argue that MICAS measures are now being applied indiscriminately, creating "predictive justice."
Khaled’s case highlights these concerns. Intelligence reports cited his acquaintanceship with individuals convicted of terrorism-related offences and others identified as "pro-Jihadist," yet he himself has no criminal record. The reports also referenced an alleged comment Khaled made on the eve of a 2020 teacher’s assassination, which he denies, claiming the conversation was about a wedding.
The interior ministry, which has defended MICAS as a tool for managing high-risk individuals, did not comment on specific cases. A U.N. expert has urged France to use these measures sparingly to avoid abuse or discrimination.
Strasbourg’s Christmas market, France’s largest, attracts millions annually but remains a security focal point after the 2018 attack that killed five people. While MICAS orders were initially used mainly for post-prison monitoring, their application has broadened significantly.
Romanian authorities are searching for missing crew members following an incident involving a ship in the Black Sea. Romanian President Nicusor Dan...
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Belarus are preparing to supply Tajikistan with weapons and military equipment by the end of 2026, as a series o...
Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has approved a new alphabet, bringing the Latin-script Uzbek alphabet closer to other alphabet...
Russian strikes on Ukraine overnight killed at least two people and injured 15 others, including two children, Ukrainian authorities said. Meanwhile, Russia said it had intercepted the vast majority of 630 Ukrainian drones launched towards Moscow.
Saudi Aramco has ordered staff to evacuate its headquarters amid escalating Houthi attacks on the kingdom. Two people were killed in an attack on Dammam airport, while Iran's IRGC Navy claimed strikes on seven vessels and warned the U.S. of a wider response.
Russia is willing in principle to resume peace talks with Ukraine and the United States in November, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said after President Vladimir Putin met U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff in St Petersburg.
Yemen's Houthis have denied targeting the holy city of Medina on Wednesday adding that they have not conducted any military operations towards Saudi Arabia either, denying earlier comments from the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen.
Super typhoon Champi is set to batter Japan’s Okinawa Prefecture from Friday (23 October), bringing violent winds, torrential rain and waves up to 11 metres high, as airlines cancel flights and organisers scrap a major festival.
Romanian authorities are searching for missing crew members following an incident involving a ship in the Black Sea. Romanian President Nicusor Dan attributed the incident to Russian escalation.
From Typhoon Champi in Taiwan and a deadly earthquake in Tibet to severe flooding across Europe and Latin America, communities on several continents have faced a week of devastating weather and natural disasters.
A powerful magnitude 7 earthquake has struck Tibet in southwestern China, killing 16 people and injuring 65, while forcing more than 12,000 residents to relocate as rescue teams respond to widespread aftershocks.
Almost all of Taiwan shut down on Friday ahead of the arrival of Typhoon Champi, which is forecast to bring strong winds and torrential rain to the island.
U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order expanding access to tax-exempt diesel as soaring fuel prices frustrate voters ahead of the midterm elections. But farmers say using the fuel on public roads is too risky, while many other drivers cannot get hold of it.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment