# ‘Labelled terrorists’: How France is using anti-terror powers to deter protests

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/labelled-terrorists-how-france-is-using-anti-terror-powers-to-deter-protests/
- Published: 2026-11-12T17:32:06+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-13T02:37:54+00:00
- Original publisher: France 24 (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.france24.com/en/france/20261112-labelled-terrorists-france-authorities-used-anti-terrorism-powers-to-deter-protests
- Topics: Europe, Government, Politics, World

## Key points

- France barred several dozen people from protests using counter-terrorism powers.
- The orders can be imposed without a judge’s prior approval.
- Lawyers say the measures risk deterring political activism.

## Summary

French authorities have used administrative counter-terrorism powers to bar several dozen people from attending protests, following riots and looting on 17 October. The restrictions have affected students, trade unionists, far-left activists and environmental campaigners, including people with no criminal record and no history of terrorism investigations. Lawyers and rights groups say the move marks a troubling expansion of powers that could deter political protest.

The orders, known as MICAS, can be imposed by the Interior Ministry without prior judicial approval, based on intelligence reports and a stated belief that someone poses a serious security threat with terrorist ties. Those restricted may have to report to a police station daily or weekly; breaching an order can bring up to three years in prison and a €45,000 fine. The powers stem from measures introduced after the 2015 attacks and placed in law in 2017, and were used on a larger scale during the 2024 Paris Olympics, when more than 500 people were restricted.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.