A real twist. The controversy linked to the organization of the association forum scheduled for Saturday, September 9 in Argenteuil is taking a new turn. Argenteuil Palestine Solidarity and the Collective in Support of the Struggle of Undocumented Migrants each received a call from the municipality on Wednesday to let them know that their participation in the forum was finally accepted. These two associations had however received a letter at the end of July telling them that they could not participate because their presence was in contradiction with the charter of associations put in place this year. A third association, the Jean Vilar Committee, had seen its request for a stand refused for the same reasons, but this refusal was maintained.
“The slider may have been put a little too far”, recognizes the mayor’s office today. First deputy mayor, Xavier Péricat (LR) had declared that these three associations were of a political nature. But the new charter prohibits it. The three associations all wrote to the town hall to contest this decision to ensure that they were not political. Believing that it was a discriminatory measure that infringes on his freedom of expression, one of them, Argenteuil Palestine Solidarity, seized the administrative court. The hearing is scheduled for August 28.
“A great victory”
These protests seem to have made the municipality change its mind. “The decision was made last week. Considering that the two associations had been present for several years, we decided to calm things down, ”explains the mayor’s office. Pierre Mirsalis, president of the Collective to support the struggle of undocumented migrants, says he is relieved. “I am satisfied to see that the municipality is coming to its senses,” he confides. “It’s a great victory”, greets Élise Languin, president of Argenteuil Palestine Solidarity. The latter, however, intends to maintain the procedure initiated before the administrative court. “We cannot let it be said that Palestine has nothing to do with Argenteuil,” she explains.
With regard to the Jean-Vilar committee, an association which brings together opponents of the Fiminco real estate project, the mayor’s office explains that the ban is maintained because last year they participated in the forum without requesting a stand. They were welcomed on that of a friendly association. “They settled without any authorization. Because they did not accept the rules, they were refused,” he explains.
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