Insights

French government extends state of emergency until 01 November

The French parliament has voted overwhelmingly to extend a national state of emergency, for the sixth time, until 01 November 2017, due to the continuing threat of terrorism. The security measures, which will continue to give police extra powers of search and arrest, have been in force since the Paris terror attacks in November 2015.

The Minister of the Interior can:

• Place anyone whose actions prove dangerous for security and public order under house arrest. Electronic tags may be used to track certain individuals under house arrest who have been sentenced for committing acts of terrorism in the past and have now served their sentences. The person concerned would have to provide their written consent.
• Take 'any measure' deemed necessary to block websites condoning terrorism or inciting acts of terrorism.
• Any de facto associations or groups found to be involved in, facilitating or inciting the commission of acts posing a serious threat to public order will now be disbanded by decree in the Council of Ministers.

The continuation of a national state of emergency in France is representative of the growing threat that the country faces. Those operating or residing in France are reminded to be aware of the indiscriminate nature of terrorism and for the possibility of both lone wolf and planned coordinated terror attacks to take place, particularly over the election period. Report any suspicious packages, activity or behaviour to the local authorities and remain vigilant.