Paris police issue last-minute ban on Iranian opposition rally

French police have banned a rally planned for Saturday by the National Resistance Council of Iran (NCRI), an opposition group outlawed by Tehran. The Paris police prefecture issued the order late Thursday, citing a risk of violent clashes. Organizers, who expected 100,000 attendees, called the ban "bogus" and filed an emergency motion to reverse it.

Why did Paris police ban the Iranian opposition rally?

Paris police banned the rally citing a "serious risk" of clashes between activists holding opposing views in a tense national and international climate. The order also noted that the planned march route passed close to several public buildings and diplomatic missions. The ban was issued after business hours on Thursday evening, giving organizers little time to respond.

Did France's foreign ministry request the ban?

The NCRI linked the cancellation to a phone call between French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and his Iranian counterpart hours before the ban was issued. The French foreign ministry denied any connection, calling the allegation "false." Barrot, the ministry said, did not mention the demonstration or request its cancellation during that call.

Who are the NCRI and why does Iran consider them a threat?

The NCRI is the political arm of the People's Mujahedin of Iran, known as the PMOI or MEK. Iran designates the MEK a terrorist organization. The group has held multiple protests in Paris without incident, including during recent anti-government unrest in Iran.

What is the latest on Iranian protests and executions?

The banned rally was planned to draw attention to a wave of executions in Iran during the ongoing Middle East conflict. Rights groups say more than 40 people have been executed in Iran since the war began. At least a dozen men have been hanged recently for alleged links to banned opposition groups, including the MEK and outlawed Kurdish and Sunni Baluch organizations.

A ceasefire deal signed this week between Tehran and Washington was already showing signs of strain on Friday. The NCRI is one of several Iranian diaspora organizations based in Paris, and the groups are often sharply divided. The emergency legal challenge filed by organizers was pending as of Friday.