Overview

• In a telegram consulted by Agence France-Presse on August 9, Retailleau asked prefects and law enforcement to step up security at Christian worship sites.
• The directive calls for special protection of traditional Assumption activities such as services, processions, gatherings and pilgrimages at sanctuaries.
• Authorities recorded 401 anti-Christian incidents between January and June 2025, a 13 percent increase from 354 in the same period of 2024.
• Retailleau highlighted a high level of terrorist threat fueled by international tensions, particularly in the Middle East, as a justification for extreme vigilance.
• Officials have been told to maintain heightened surveillance at churches and religious venues through the August 15 festivities.