Citing security fears, France bans Paris climate rallies

The French government Wednesday banned two citizens' rallies organised to coincide with a crunch climate conference to be held in Paris just two weeks after terror attacks killed 129 people in the French capital.

Rallies to beat the drum for concerted political action against global warming had been planned for November 29, the day before the summit will be opened by some 120 heads of state and government, and December 12, the day after it closes.

"The situation created by the odious attacks of November 13, and the investigations under way since then, require that security conditions be reinforced," a government statement said.

"To avoid any additional risk, the government has decided not to authorise climate marches in public places in Paris and in other French cities on November 29 and December 12."

Other climate gatherings in spaces that are "enclosed and easily secured" will go ahead, it added.
  AFP
 ahram.org.eg
18/11/15