French lawyers are denouncing the use of anti-terrorism measures to prevent activists from attending demonstrations. The restrictions, known as individual administrative control and surveillance measures, allow authorities to limit a person’s freedom of movement in the name of counterterrorism. They were introduced as part of the legacy of France’s 2015–2017 state of emergency.
One recipient, identified by the first name Thomas, was served with an order at his farm about 50 kilometres from Poitiers on Friday, October 30. The letter from the Interior Ministry barred him from leaving his municipality, required him to report once a day to a gendarmerie station in Loudun, and prohibited him from entering areas subject to a prefectural ban on demonstrations.
The order said Thomas had allegedly maintained regular contact with people or organisations that incite, facilitate or take part in terrorist acts. Thomas, a former member of the Confédération paysanne who acknowledges ties to the Soulèvements de la Terre movement, said he was shocked by the terrorism allegation. He described himself as opposed to the government but said applying that label to him was astonishing.
In recent weeks, dozens of people have been subject to the measures on the fringes of the social movement, according to the available report.
Sources: Le Monde Politique.