Blockades by Virus Protest Convoys Banned in Paris, Brussels

Blockades by Virus Protest Convoys Banned in Paris, Brussels
A man puts a poster that reads "Liberty Convoy" on a van before leaving for Paris, in Bayonne, southwestern France, on Feb. 9, 2022. Bob Edme/AP Photo
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PARIS—Authorities in France and Belgium on Thursday banned road blockades threatened by groups organizing online against COVID-19 restrictions, in part inspired by protesters in Canada.

Citing “risks of trouble to public order,” the Paris police department banned protests aimed at “blocking the capital” from Friday through Monday. Police will put measures in place to protect roads and detain violators.