of France was a security threat because it could be a target of terrorism. But the organizers – the Muslims of France (MF) association – sought an emergency injunction to let the event go ahead, arguing that a ban would be a breach of basic liberties. The administrative court agreed and overturned the government decree, just two hours before the planned 14:00 (13:00 BST) opening. The court said in its ruling that elements provided by police "did not establish the risk of counter-demonstrations, or that the gathering would be targeted by far-right groups". It also dismissed the argument that the event would pose an unacceptable strain on police resources, noting that the organizers had themselves assured extra security.

Part cultural and religious conference, part trade fair, the gathering used to be an annual event, but has not been held since 2019. Before that it regularly drew tens of thousands of people from across Europe. The Muslims of France association - France's biggest Muslim body - is said by critics to be close to the international Muslim Brotherhood, though it denies that. Earlier, in justifying the ban, the Paris police department said that in "an international and national context which is particularly tense", the gathering was "exposed to an important terrorist risk toward the Muslim community".

"In a context of political agitation and a heavy polarization of debate" it was possible that "small far-right groups could mobilize with a view to disrupting the event", it said. It also claimed that actions against the gathering could be "conducted remotely by foreign influences". France has regularly accused Russia, as well as Iran, of stirring up dissension by paying proxies to carry out small-scale acts of provocation or sabotage. The ban came as France announced plans for a new "anti-separatism" law, aimed mainly at Muslim structures promoting ideas deemed contrary to the principles of the republic. (BBC)