COVID-19 restrictions protest in France moves toward Paris

Protests against COVID-19 restrictions in France could move to Paris despite a ban on demonstrations in the city. 

Protesters in trucks and cars are making their way to the country’s capital to protest COVID-19 mandates, including vaccine requirements to enter most venues, The Associated Press reported. 

Protests are already planned in Paris on Saturday, but it is unclear if those traveling will be able to get into the city, as thousands of officers have been sent to stop the convoy. 

Police in Paris on Thursday said those participating in the “freedom convoy” against the mandates could face prison time, hefty fines and have their licenses suspended. The city says the measures are needed to maintain public order.

Although protests against pandemic restrictions have been a common sight for months in France, massive protests by truckers in Canada have revived demonstrations around the world.

In Canada, truckers have protested a vaccine mandate for cross-border travelers by entering the capital city of Ottawa and blocking major trade routes between the U.S. and Canada. 

Protesters from multiple countries are planning to meet at the capital of the European Union in Brussels on Sunday to continue the demonstrations, although Belgium has banned the freedom convoy, according to the AP.