Full Breakdown
French Police Ban Large NCRI Rally in Paris Over Security Concerns
6/20/2026, 7:40:32 AM
Ban of the Planned NCRI Demonstration
On the evening of June 18, 2026, the Paris Police Prefecture prohibited a demonstration organized by the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) scheduled for Saturday, June 20, citing a serious risk of clashes that could disrupt public order.
Background & Key Actors
The NCRI, political arm of the People’s Mujahideen Organization of Iran, is outlawed in Tehran and regularly stages rallies in Paris. Key parties in the dispute are French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, the Paris Police Prefecture, the French Foreign Ministry, and the NCRI itself.
Timeline
Barrot and Araghchi spoke on June 17; the police banned the rally on June 18; NCRI linked the ban to the call on June 19; the rally was slated for June 20, and the group announced an appeal.
Scale & Expected Participation
The NCRI expected up to 100,000 participants; previous Paris rallies have drawn thousands without incident, including a February 2025 demonstration that remained peaceful.
Official Statements & Responses
The French Foreign Ministry told Reuters the allegation that Barrot asked for the ban was false and that the Iranian minister never mentioned the protest. The Paris Police Prefecture said the decision reflected a “particularly tense national and international context” and a risk of disorder. Barrot, on French TV, called Iran’s people the biggest victims of the war and stressed a distinction between the regime and Iran. The NCRI called the ban “bogus” and said it would appeal.
Criticism & Opposition
The NCRI denounced the police rationale as bogus, arguing the timing after the Barrot-Araghchi call shows political motive and infringes on exiles’ expression rights.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Police cite security concerns; the NCRI blames diplomatic pressure from the recent call. The French foreign ministry denies any pressure, and police have offered no further comment. Funding sources, internal support in Iran, and the exact nature of the “particularly tense” context remain unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There is a serious risk that clashes between activists holding opposing views could occur during this demonstration, likely to seriously disrupt public order,” — Paris Police Prefecture
- “This allegation is false. The (Iranian) minister did not mention this protest or request its cancellation,” — French Foreign Ministry (statement to Reuters)
- “After business hours on the evening of Thursday, June 18, the Paris police prefecture banned the planned demonstration of 100,000 people against the wave of political executions in Iran, scheduled for Saturday, June 20, citing bogus reasons,” — NCRI statement
- “Iran is, above all, a great people, and we distinguish between the Iranian regime and Iran itself,” — Jean-Noël Barrot (French TV)
What’s Next
The NCRI has appealed the prefectural order and may seek judicial review, as in 2023. French authorities have not said whether the ban will be lifted before June 20, leaving the future of Iranian diaspora protests in France uncertain.
