Calais Migrant Solidarity
Resisting the border regime since 2009 *** ألشعب يريد إسقاط الحدود
On Sunday the 22nd of November a demonstration happened in Paris – called by a number of different groups; some in solidarity with sans papiers; some lead by sans papiers – in solidarity with migrants. The demonstration defied the state of emergency that prohibits outdoor political expression by more than 2 people. By 3.15 there was over 500 people from many walks of life in front of the Bastille; lots of middle aged French women. Many chanted “Sou sou solidarity avec la refugees” as 30 or so gendarmes in riot gear watched the crowd. The demonstration moved off across a roundabout, blocking traffic. More police arrived, and they tried to block the march, but they had protesters on both sides of them. Police used pepper-spray and batons but were overwhelmed and let the protesters continue en route. People moved quickly and spread out. Many people stayed in Bastille.
As the march reached La Republique many people were already there, with maybe 1000 people in the square. The atmosphere was good. Tea was being given out and skate boarders played on the road shut by the police. It was exciting that people could still express themselves without being hit with the full weight of police. It is yet to be seen what effect the state of emergency will have on freedom of speech but this was a positive sign.