Chalon-sur-Saône Mayor Bans Palestinian Flags Following Civil Unrest
The mayor cites political motivations behind riots following a sports celebration, leading to a public ban on the Palestinian flag.
In Chalon-sur-Saône, a city in Saône-et-Loire, civil unrest erupted on the night of May 31 to June 1 following Paris Saint-Germain's UEFA Champions League victory over Inter Milan.
In response to these disturbances, Gilles Platret, the mayor, announced a ban on publicly displaying the Palestinian flag, stating it had become a symbol associated with the rioters.
In a statement released on June 1, Platret expressed that the unrest started amidst what he described as ‘legitimate celebrations’ by PSG supporters.
However, he alleged that 'individuals from the city's outskirts seized the occasion to instigate disorder with a political motive.' During the disturbances, reports indicated instances of mortar fire and projectiles thrown at law enforcement officials, including stones and bottles, which also resulted in damage to public property.
The situation escalated, with mayor Platret declaring that various brawls rose from what he referred to as a ‘menacing mob,’ necessitating the use of tear gas to disperse the crowds.
Numerous arrests were made, including that of a suspected ringleader, characterized as ‘a very aggressive individual targeting the police with projectiles.’ Notably, this person was reportedly waving a Palestinian flag, which Platret interpreted as an indication of the political intentions behind the violent protests.
The municipal decree not only prohibits the flag's display in public spaces and from visibly located buildings but also bans its sale at local markets and the conduction of pro-Palestinian demonstrations.
This decision has elicited immediate criticism from the Association France Palestine Solidarité 71, which expressed ‘shock and dismay’ over the mayor's actions.
The group underscored that statements from various political figures worldwide, including prominent Jewish personalities in France, have condemned the ongoing violence against Palestinians and called for an immediate ceasefire.
The association characterized the mayor's ban as based on a ‘false and ignoble pretext’ and highlighted that since its founding in January 2024, its initiatives in Chalon have faced no incidents despite organizing numerous demonstrations.
In response to the ban, the group is urging ‘all democrats and pacifists’ to gather for the Festi’Palestine event in Morlay on June 8 to advocate for a ‘just and lasting peace’ between Palestinians and Israelis.
In response to these disturbances, Gilles Platret, the mayor, announced a ban on publicly displaying the Palestinian flag, stating it had become a symbol associated with the rioters.
In a statement released on June 1, Platret expressed that the unrest started amidst what he described as ‘legitimate celebrations’ by PSG supporters.
However, he alleged that 'individuals from the city's outskirts seized the occasion to instigate disorder with a political motive.' During the disturbances, reports indicated instances of mortar fire and projectiles thrown at law enforcement officials, including stones and bottles, which also resulted in damage to public property.
The situation escalated, with mayor Platret declaring that various brawls rose from what he referred to as a ‘menacing mob,’ necessitating the use of tear gas to disperse the crowds.
Numerous arrests were made, including that of a suspected ringleader, characterized as ‘a very aggressive individual targeting the police with projectiles.’ Notably, this person was reportedly waving a Palestinian flag, which Platret interpreted as an indication of the political intentions behind the violent protests.
The municipal decree not only prohibits the flag's display in public spaces and from visibly located buildings but also bans its sale at local markets and the conduction of pro-Palestinian demonstrations.
This decision has elicited immediate criticism from the Association France Palestine Solidarité 71, which expressed ‘shock and dismay’ over the mayor's actions.
The group underscored that statements from various political figures worldwide, including prominent Jewish personalities in France, have condemned the ongoing violence against Palestinians and called for an immediate ceasefire.
The association characterized the mayor's ban as based on a ‘false and ignoble pretext’ and highlighted that since its founding in January 2024, its initiatives in Chalon have faced no incidents despite organizing numerous demonstrations.
In response to the ban, the group is urging ‘all democrats and pacifists’ to gather for the Festi’Palestine event in Morlay on June 8 to advocate for a ‘just and lasting peace’ between Palestinians and Israelis.
