A major gathering of Muslims in northern Paris is going ahead as planned after a French court overturned a government bid to ban it. The Paris police department argued that the four-day Annual Encounter of Muslims of France was a security threat because it could be a target of terrorism. However, the organisers – the Muslims of France (MF) association – sought an emergency injunction to let the event go ahead, arguing that a ban would be a breach of basic liberties. The administrative court agreed and overturned the government decree just two hours before the planned 14:00 (13:00 BST) opening. The court stated that elements provided by police 'did not establish the risk of counter-demonstrations, or that the gathering would be targeted by far-right groups'. It also dismissed the argument that the event would pose an unacceptable strain on police resources, noting that the organisers had assured extra security. The gathering, part cultural and religious conference and part trade fair, has not been held since 2019. The Muslims of France association, the country's largest Muslim body, is often accused by critics of having connections to the international Muslim Brotherhood, an allegation it denies. Earlier, justifying the ban, the Paris police department emphasized that given the tense national and international context, the gathering was 'exposed to an important terrorist risk toward the Muslim community'. Moreover, the police expressed concern that far-right groups could mobilize to disrupt the event. The court's ruling reflects ongoing tensions in France regarding the growing scrutiny of Muslim organisations and the broader impact of proposed anti-separatism laws.