France: resistance steps up to criminalisation of free parties

Protests are taking place throughout France against a proposed new law targeting free parties. Thousands took part in a demonstration in Montpellier yesterday (30 May 2026, pictured here) and more are planned over the next two weeks.The law is known as RIPOST - 'Réponses immédiates aux phénomènes troublant l’ordre public, la sécurité et la tranquillité de nos concitoyens' (Immediate Responses to Phenomena Disturbing Public Order, Security and Tranquility of Our Fellow Citizens) and also includes measures against 'motorized assemblies' (gatherings of motorbikes and vehicles), nitrous oxide and for more video surveillance.In terms of unauthorised free parties, the law requires events of more than 250 people to be authorised by local authorities (as opposed to 500 people as at present). Organisers of parties could be jailed for up to six months, with a very broad definition of an organiser:'the following constitute participation in the organization of said gathering: setting up the…