Authorities in Paris have banned an annual gathering of French Muslims scheduled to take place north of the capital, citing security concerns linked to a “major terrorist risk”.
The event, known as the Annual Gathering of the Muslims of France, was due to be held in Bourget from today until Monday, but was prohibited by order of the Paris police prefecture.
In its directive, police said there was concern that small far-right groups could attempt to disrupt the event, while also warning that the gathering was taking place in a “particularly tense international and national context”.
Officials further stated that the event was “exposed to a significant terrorist risk targeting the Muslim community”, referencing heightened security threats across France.
The order also pointed to a recently foiled attempt to bomb the Bank of America building in Paris, which prosecutors said may have been linked to a pro-Iran network amid rising tensions related to the Middle East conflict.
French authorities said the incident highlighted the seriousness of current security threats within the country.
Police additionally cited increasingly polarised political debate during recent municipal elections as a contributing factor to the decision.
The move comes as France’s interior ministry prepares draft legislation aimed at addressing concerns over radical Islamist influence within religious organisations, with the proposal expected to be presented to President Emmanuel Macron’s cabinet later this month.
