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In Angoulême, it is now forbidden to lie down or sit in certain places in the city center. The municipal decree, which aims to drive out the marginalized, creates controversy.
In Angoulême, sitting for a long time or lying on a bench is now prohibited. The town hall has just published a four-page decree, to prevent, she says, “abusive occupation of public space”. She assumes to target especially the marginalized, estimated at 200 people. “You are already on your third or fourth beer, you are with two or three dogs, who are not muzzled, who annoy passers-by. (…) Indeed, we are at the heart of this decree”believes Jean-Philippe Pousset, deputy mayor of Angoulême in charge of Prevention and Security.
The League for Human Rights files an appeal
The deputy claims to have received complaints from individuals and traders. Anyone who does not respect the decree is liable to a fine of 35 euros, and up to 150 euros in the event of a repeat offense. The decision of the town hall arouses contrasting reactions. Some residents believe that “The municipality made a very good choice”others that it is a “attack on freedom”. The League for Human Rights filed an appeal.