France bans Muslim gathering near Paris

French authorities have banned a Muslim community event due to take place in the Paris area in the coming days, citing security concerns, Paris police chief Patrice Faure said on Thursday.

At the request of Interior Minister Laurent Nunez, Faure issued a decree prohibiting the 40th annual gathering of Muslims in France. The event had been scheduled for April 3 to 6 at the Le Bourget exhibition centre near Paris.

According to police, the decision reflects a tense national and international security environment, an elevated terrorist threat, the risk of public disorder and the heavy deployment of security forces in the coming days.

France has also tightened security at sensitive sites in Paris following the foiled bombing of Bank of America offices last weekend. The move comes against the backdrop of military tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

Event organiser Makhlouf Mameche confirmed the ban and said his organisation would appeal in court.

(reuters, est)