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

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.