Commemorating the November 2015 Terrorist Attacks: A Race for Freedom and Reflection on Civil Liberties

On November 9, 2023, over 1,500 participants took part in a "race for freedom" in Paris to honor the victims of the November 13, 2015 terrorist attacks that caused 130 deaths and many injuries. Organized by the French Association of Victims of Terrorism, the event started at the Stade de France with a tribute to Manuel Dias, the first victim that night, and included a 16-kilometer course passing significant memorial sites. Catherine Bertrand, the association's vice-president and an attack survivor, emphasized replacing memories of death with life and remembering all victims, including often overlooked ones at the terraces and Stade de France. Her words reflected the collective spirit of the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics. Before the race, Sofia Dias, daughter of Manuel Dias, called on attendees to remember the Republic’s values, earning heartfelt applause from the crowd.

In parallel, discussions continue about the lasting impact of the attacks on civil liberties in France. Following the 2015 attacks, an emergency state was declared, enhancing civil authorities' powers to combat terrorism while restricting individual freedoms. Although this state of emergency officially ended in 2017, many measures remain embedded in French law. New legislation has expanded surveillance capabilities, stirring criticism from fundamental rights defenders who oppose ongoing limitations to liberty.

These commemorations and reflections underscore the complex legacy of the November 2015 attacks: a solemn remembrance of victims, renewed public solidarity, and a continued debate over balancing security with freedoms in France.