Paris police forcibly removed hundreds of migrants from the Gaîté Lyrique theatre on Tuesday, ending a three-month occupation by young asylum seekers demanding food and shelter. Riot police stormed the historic venue at dawn, clashing with activists who had formed human barricades to prevent the eviction. Witnesses described the operation as violent, with officers using batons to disperse both migrants and demonstrators.
The migrants, mostly from sub-Saharan Africa, had occupied the theatre since December 10, 2024, forcing the cancellation of all performances. Many of them are minors and have requested recognition as such in their immigration process. Paris police prefect Laurent Nuñez ordered the eviction, citing public order concerns but assured that the migrants would be offered shelter and their legal status reviewed.
As migrants left the theatre, carrying suitcases and bags, demonstrators chanted in solidarity. Lawmaker Danielle Simonnet condemned the police action as excessive, stating that the migrants had been peaceful. The eviction highlights ongoing tensions over migration in France, particularly ahead of the Paris Olympics, where authorities have been accused of “social cleansing” by removing homeless people and migrants from public spaces.
Despite the government’s promises of shelter, many of the young migrants remain uncertain about their future. Adama, a 15-year-old from Ivory Coast, lamented missing school due to the eviction, stressing that they sought integration rather than conflict. The theatre occupation had become a flashpoint for political debate, with left-wing activists supporting the migrants while far-right groups called for their removal.