On 15 January 2021, the U.S. Embassy in Paris issued a Demonstration Alert regarding a planned protest on 16 January, which reads in part as follows: “Location: Paris, from Place Daumesnil/Place Felix Eboue to Place de la Bastille. Also, Place de la République. Other demonstrations throughout France.
“Event: Marche des Libertés expected to take place on Saturday January 16, 2021, beginning at noon. The group intends to protest loss of liberties. Extreme groups which have fomented violence in the past are participating. Simultaneously, a large Culture 4 Liberty protest denouncing the closure of cultural locations and loss of liberty, including the Global Security Law, is also planned for the same location. Depending on the size of the crowds and the levels of violence and/or property damage associated with the demonstrations, the French authorities may use chemical agents (tear gas) and water cannons to disperse crowds. American citizens are advised to avoid the Place de la Republique and Place de la Bastille areas.
“Additional, smaller demonstrations are also expected Saturday:
- Marseille: 13:00, Vieux Port toward Porte d’aix via Avenue de la République and Boulevard des Dames, to protest the Global Security Law.
- Lyon: 14 :00, Villeurbanne (suburb of Lyon) in front of Inspection Générale de la Police Nationale, a Marche des Libertés.
- Strasbourg : 13:00, Between Place de la République and Place Kleber, protest against Global Security Law.
- Rennes: 14:00, Place de la République, protest against the global security law.
- Bordeaux : 1430, Place des Quinconces côté quai.”
