Jerusalem Post/World NewsThe announcement of the ban on the protest came hours after a call between France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot and his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi.Follow us on GooglePeople hold a pre-Iranian Revolution "Lion and Sun" national flag as they attend a demonstration against political executions in Iran and in support of a democratic republic, a demonstration which was banned by Paris Police Prefecture, in Paris, France, June 20, 2026.(photo credit: REUTERS/SARAH MEYSSONNIER)ByREUTERSJUNE 20, 2026 18:33Protesters against political executions in Iran gathered in Paris on Saturday in defiance of a ban on the rally, at which police arrested 20 people, according to organizers.Hundreds of demonstrators gathered at Place Vauban near the Les Invalides monument in central Paris, but were dispersed by police, Shahin Gobadi from the Paris-based NCRI said.Paris police could not immediately be reached for comment.French police banned the NCRI Iranian opposition from holding the rally on Saturday, saying there was a risk of clashes between activists holding opposing views, an argument the group described as "bogus."Organizers appealed the ban, but on Saturday it was upheld by a Paris court.French police stand guard in front of people attending a demonstration against political executions in Iran and in support of a democratic republic, a demonstration which was banned by Paris Police Prefecture, in Paris, France, June 20, 2026. (credit: REUTERS/SARAH MEYSSONNIER)Ban announced after French, Iranian FMs speakThe ban on Thursday evening came hours after a call between France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot and his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, during which they discussed the latest developments to end the Iran war.France's foreign ministry rejected an allegation by the Iranian group, the National Council of Resistance of Iran, that the ban was linked to the call.The Paris-based NCRI, the political arm of the People's Mujahideen Organisation of Iran, has held frequent rallies in the French capital over the years.They have been attended by thousands of people, including high-profile former US, European, and Arab officials critical of the Islamic Republic.Follow us on Google