in Bordeaux, the prefecture prohibits a counter-demonstration in parallel with a tribute

Le Figaro Bordeaux

While France mourns Philippine, whose funeral was celebrated in Versailles Cathedral this Friday, the Gironde prefecture announces that it fears excesses in Bordeaux. A declared gathering must in fact be held at Place Pey Berland, Saturday at 3 p.m., in tribute to the young woman. Aged 19, the latter was found dead and buried in the Bois de Boulogne after suffering abuse from her alleged attacker. The identity of the latter, a Moroccan under OQTF and already convicted of rape, arouses a wave of emotion in public opinion.

Very relayed by “extreme right movements” on social networks, the Bordeaux rally in tribute to Philippine sparked a reaction from the local ultra-left, explains the prefecture. An ultraleft who calls for “counter-demonstrate” faced with this tribute, and this without having made the necessary declaration to the prefecture as required by law. “In this context, clashes between ultra-right and ultra-left groups are predictable”declares the Gironde prefecture in a press release to prohibit this illicit counter-demonstration. Violators of this decree face six months in prison and a fine of 7,500 euros.

Also read“She was brilliant”: who was Philippine, 19, found dead in the Bois de Boulogne?

Escalation of violence

The State also justifies its decision by arguing that internal security forces are already mobilized to secure four demonstrations in Bordeaux and Mérignac this Saturday. This counter-demonstration, finally, would create a risk of escalation of violence which would contravene the homily formulated by Abbot Pierre-Hervé Grosjean in honor of the deceased this Friday. The Philippine scout chaplain thus called on everyone to follow his example and this “terrible ordeal, the opportunity for a start, the opportunity to grow resolutely, generously and courageously in our life, in the way of living it fully, of giving it, in our desire to serve and love”.