On March 18, Parisian authorities conducted a large-scale operation to evict over 400 migrants who had been occupying the Gaîté Lyrique theater for more than three months. The migrants, primarily from African nations, had taken residence in the theater since December, leading to halted performances and financial strain on the establishment.
The eviction commenced shortly before 6 a.m., with riot police deploying tear gas and truncheons to disperse demonstrators supporting the migrants outside the theater. Clashes ensued, resulting in several injuries and at least one person requiring medical attention.
Paris Police Prefect Laurent Nuñez justified the operation, citing threats to public order posed by the prolonged occupation. Mayor Anne Hidalgo acknowledged the complexity and danger of the situation stating, “At this stage, this was the thing to do because the situation was becoming complicated, tense and dangerous inside.”
The migrants were transported to shelters in provincial areas, such as Rouen in Normandy.
The occupation began during a conference on refugee welcome policies hosted by the theater. Approximately 250 migrants attended and subsequently refused to leave, citing inadequate living conditions elsewhere. The theater, equipped with only four toilets, faced unsanitary conditions, yet many migrants considered it preferable to street sleeping.
The situation highlights ongoing challenges in addressing migrant housing and integration in urban centers, raising concerns about public safety, resource allocation, and the need for comprehensive immigration policies.
