Paris police break up peaceful protest against legalization of euthanasia amid bill's passage

In Paris, security forces suppressed a peaceful protest against the legalization of euthanasia, which was held in front of the National Assembly. Dozens of activists were detained. The action took place amid consideration of a controversial bill establishing a «right to euthanasia,» which was passed the next day.

The incident occurred on February 24, 2026, when about 50 French activists gathered in front of the Bourbon Palace, where members of the National Assembly were discussing palliative care and euthanasia. According to European Conservative, about 40 police officers were deployed to disperse the sit-in. As a result, 37 demonstrators were detained and taken to various police stations in Paris.

Video footage released by Hors-Zone Press shows law enforcement officers pushing back peacefully seated protesters. The protesters were rallying against a bill that their opponents are calling a «right to euthanasia,» which is actually the legalization of euthanasia and assisted suicide under certain conditions.

The next day, February 25, 2026, the French National Assembly passed the said bill on second reading. This initiative continues to cause heated public debate: supporters emphasize the principles of humanity and freedom of choice, while critics warn of serious moral and social consequences of such a decision.

Recall, the Vienna Observatory of Intolerance and Discrimination of Christians in Europe noted France as one of the most intolerant of Christianity in the European Union. It is noted that out of 2444 cases of intolerance to Christians in 35 European countries, 1000 incidents fall on France.