Amiens Unions Denounce Restrictions on the Right to Protest, Condemn Arrest of Street Medics and Use of Tear Gas

The inter-union coalition in the Somme department—comprising major trade unions and student organizations (CGT, FO, Sud Solidaires, SNES-FSU, Union étudiante, UNEF, and FAEP)—held a press conference at the Bourse du Travail to condemn what it described as "repeated violations of the fundamental right to protest," following a demonstration in Amiens on Saturday, November 7, 2026, which drew at least 700 people.

Kévin Crépin, departmental secretary of the CGT 80, criticized the security measures, calling them an unprecedented infringement on freedoms since the movement began on October 17, asserting that "anger is widespread, and the government must listen to it rather than suppress it."

Dispute Over Imposed Route and Court Decision

The union backlash followed the prefecture's refusal of the route proposed by the organizers on security grounds, imposing instead an alternative route that bypassed major thoroughfares and ended at the Parc de La Hotoie. Union activist Laure Vinson criticized the designated path, pointing out that it spanned just one kilometer and took only 22 minutes to complete, thereby depriving demonstrators of visibility and presence in the city center. Conversely, state authorities maintained that the measure ensured the safety of the gathering and prevented major incidents, noting that prior demonstrations—particularly on November 5—saw around 200 individuals attempt to clash with security forces by throwing projectiles after the march concluded.

The administrative court rejected an urgent petition (référé-liberté) filed by the CGT seeking to restore the original route, ruling that the prefect's decision permitted the exercise of the right to protest while mitigating the risks of renewed unrest.

Arrest of Street Medics and Rejection of Commercial Harm Arguments

Unions rejected the justification that restrictions were necessary to protect local businesses facing a 50% drop in revenue. Crépin explained that the downturn stems from declining citizen purchasing power, citing the poor outcome of exceptional Sunday openings on November 8 and 15. Gabriel Bonnard-Ribault of SUD éducation added that striking retail workers also need to protest near their workplaces to make their voices heard.

The arrest of six volunteer street medics sparked widespread outrage. Police detained them approximately an hour and a half after the demonstration ended, confiscated their first-aid equipment, and issued each a 135-euro fine under a prefectural order prohibiting the possession of protective gear deemed an impediment to peacekeeping operations. Unions are currently considering legal action to challenge the detentions.

Criticism of Tear Gas and Upcoming Mobilization Dates

The organizations condemned the security forces' systematic use of tear gas to disperse crowds, emphasizing that its effects reached bystanders, daycares, and cafés. Marion Ménard of SNES-FSU recalled that a young woman suffered an eye injury from a rubber bullet (LBD) on October 24, arguing that such tactics are intended to intimidate the public and deter participation.

For its part, the prefecture reaffirmed the readiness of security forces to protect people and property while safeguarding the freedom of peaceful assembly. Despite rising tensions, unions announced that the mobilization would continue, with a strike in the education sector and a gathering at the Citadel at noon on Tuesday, November 10, alongside preparations for a major nationwide demonstration on November 17, 2026, at a time when Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu received representatives of the social partners.