France has prohibited the sale, possession, and transit of fireworks ahead of Bastille Day, fearing renewed violence following demonstrations caused by the police shooting of a teenager. The government issued the decree on Sunday prohibiting the use of “pyrotechnic articles” during the 14th of July celebrations, reported international news outlets.
France’s national day, “Bastille Day,” is celebrated annually on July 14 with spectacular fireworks displays put on throughout the country.
“In order to prevent the risk of serious disturbances to public order during the July 14 festivities, the sale, possession, transport, and use of pyrotechnical articles and fireworks is banned until July 15 inclusively,” as per a government order issued in the Official Journal on Sunday. This ban, however, does not apply to professionals, nor to governmental municipalities organizing traditional fireworks displays for Bastille Day festivities, it clarified.
Interestingly, fireworks were used in some of the protests that occurred in France following the June 27 shooting death of 17-year-old Nahel by a police officer.
Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne reported to the press that many people have been “quite worried” over the potential for renewed violence over the national holiday. In addition to the fireworks ban, a “massive” security presence will be deployed in order to maintain peace and order and to “protect the French during these two sensitive days.”