French court overturns police ban, allowing annual Muslim gathering near Paris to go ahead

A major gathering of Muslims in northern Paris will go ahead as planned after a French court overturned a government attempt to ban the event.

The annual Encounter of Muslims of France, a four-day conference and trade fair, was due to open on Friday at Le Bourget, just north of Paris. Paris police had argued that the gathering posed a security threat, warning it could be a target for terrorism amid tense national and international conditions.

But organisers from the Muslims of France (MF) association challenged the ban, saying it violated basic freedoms. The administrative court agreed, overturning the police order just two hours before the scheduled 14:00 local time opening.

In its ruling, the court said the evidence presented by authorities did not prove any risk of counter-demonstrations or attacks by far-right groups, nor did it show the event would unduly strain police resources. The court also noted that the organisers had committed to providing extra security themselves.

The gathering, which had not been held since 2019, traditionally draws tens of thousands from across Europe. It combines cultural and religious programming with a trade fair.

While the MF association is France’s largest Muslim body, it has faced criticism for alleged ties to the international Muslim Brotherhood, claims it denies.

Paris police had cited a broader terrorism threat, including a foiled attempt to bomb the Bank of America building last weekend, which prosecutors suggested might be linked to a pro-Iran group.

Authorities also referenced the polarised political climate during last month’s municipal elections and the possibility of disruption by far-right groups or foreign actors.

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The court stressed that past editions of the event at Le Bourget had taken place safely, even in tense periods such as after the 2015 Paris attacks.

The ruling comes as France prepares a new anti-separatism law aimed at Muslim organisations promoting ideas contrary to the principles of the republic.

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said the draft would build on a previous law allowing authorities to close groups accused of promoting Islamic separatism. He highlighted concerns including control over collective childcare and publications inciting hate or violence.

With the court’s decision, the gathering is expected to proceed without interruption, reflecting a careful balance between security concerns and civil liberties in an increasingly charged political climate.

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