Montpellier protest banned: police, helicopters, searches as tension rises

A protest march in Montpellier, France, was banned by authorities on Saturday, October 24, leading to heightened tension and police surveillance, including helicopter overflights and searches. The ban follows a previous demonstration on October 17 that drew about 35,000 people and turned violent. Two marches were planned, with one union, FO ESR, expressing frustration over the delayed court ruling on its appeal against the ban. The city center was unusually quiet, with businesses closed or barricaded in anticipation of potential unrest. Residents described the atmosphere as strange, with the main square nearly empty.