Paris bans Muslim gathering over security threats

Police in Paris banned a major annual Muslim gathering Thursday, citing a “major terrorist risk” and concerns over possible disruption by far-right groups.

The Annual Gathering of the Muslims of France was scheduled to take place from Friday to Monday in Le Bourget, north of the capital.

Authorities said the event comes amid a “particularly tense” national and international climate and warned it faced a significant risk of attack targeting the Muslim community.

The order also cited a recently foiled bombing attempt in the city, which prosecutors said may be linked to a pro-Iran group, as well as heightened tensions tied to the Middle East conflict.

Police pointed to political polarization following recent municipal elections as an added concern.

The move comes as France’s interior ministry prepares draft legislation aimed at preventing radical Islamist infiltration of Muslim organizations, expected to be presented to the cabinet of Emmanuel Macron later this month.