French Court Suspends Ban on Annual Muslim Gathering, Upholding Freedom of Assembly

On April 3, 2026, the Paris administrative court overturned the ban imposed by the Paris police prefect on the Rencontre annuelle des musulmans de France (RAMF), set to take place from April 3 to 6 at the Parc des Expositions in Le Bourget, Seine-Saint-Denis. The prefecture had prohibited the event citing significant terrorism risks to the Muslim community, potential mobilization by far-right groups to disrupt the gathering, and the tense political and social context nationally and internationally.

The court, however, ruled that the evidence provided to justify the ban was insufficient. It noted that the prefecture's concerns relied heavily on a report from specialized services which lacked detailed, concrete information about threats of counter-demonstrations or far-right targeting. Further, previous editions of RAMF, including those held after sensitive periods like the 2015 Paris attacks, had not led to significant incidents. The court also observed that the current political and social circumstances in the Paris region did not warrant extraordinary police measures to prohibit the event, especially since organizers implemented additional security protocols.

Musulmans de France, the organizing association led legally by attorney Sefen Guez Guez, argued that the ban infringed upon the fundamental right to freedom of assembly and was politically motivated, especially considering the recent anti-separatism law proposed by Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez. The court supported this position by emphasizing the importance of freedom of expression as a cornerstone of democracy.

The Paris police prefecture announced plans to appeal the court's decision to the Council of State. RAMF is considered among the largest Muslim gatherings in Europe, featuring conferences and exhibitions, and is returning this year after a six-year hiatus due to COVID-19 and organizational challenges. Attendance peaked in 2013 with up to 170,000 participants, though numbers have since declined.

This judicial ruling underscores the court's commitment to protecting civil liberties and the right to peaceful assembly, challenging government measures based on insufficient evidence. It marks a significant defense of democratic freedoms in the context of security concerns and the political climate in France.