CitizenGO, a citizen-directed community organization, filed a lawsuit against the French government following the arrest of six of its members during a protest against what they described as a “disgusting parody of the Last Supper” at the Paris 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony.
Sebastian, one of the arrested members, claims he and his colleagues were detained, humiliated, and denied legal access simply for peacefully demonstrating. The group had organized a bus campaign urging Olympic organizers to stop mocking Christianity.
“The authorities didn’t care. They sent armed police to stop us,” CitizenGO said in a statement. “They threw us into police vans, confiscated our belongings, denied us access to lawyers, and humiliated us—all for standing up for our faith.”
Legal Battle Against the French Government
CitizenGO argues that their arrests were unjustified and violated their rights. Their lawsuit challenges what they call “government persecution” of Christians. However, rather than defending its actions, the French government is reportedly using procedural tactics to block the case from going to trial.
“The same French government that refuses to protect churches from near-daily attacks sent armed officers to silence us,” CitizenGO stated. “That tells you everything.”
France’s highest administrative court, the Conseil d’État, is set to decide whether the case will proceed. According to CitizenGO, the group’s initial legal memo was strong enough that the government has already abandoned any attempt to justify the arrests, opting instead to have the case dismissed.
France’s Crackdown on Religious Expression
France enforces strict secularism laws under laïcité, often leading to legal conflicts over religious expression. These laws have resulted in bans on religious symbols in schools and restrictions on public worship in some cases. Critics argue that these measures disproportionately impact Christians, as well as other religious groups, and have led to a chilling effect on religious expression.
Attacks on Churches and Christian Sites
France has experienced a rise in attacks on churches and Christian sites. A 2019 French Senate report documented nearly 1,000 attacks on Christian places of worship in a single year, far exceeding those on other religious sites. These attacks include vandalism, arson, and theft. While the government condemned such acts, CitizenGO and other religious groups argue that law enforcement often fails to prevent or properly investigate these incidents.
Selective Law Enforcement?
CitizenGO contends that the French government applies a double standard when it comes to law enforcement. They argue that while Christian activists face swift police action for peaceful demonstrations, radical activists vandalizing churches often face little or no consequences. Critics have pointed out similar trends in how the government handles protests, allowing demonstrations aligned with government-approved social movements while cracking down on dissenting voices.
France’s Legal System and Judicial Barriers
France’s legal system allows for cases to be dismissed before trial through bureaucratic and procedural means. Legal experts argue that this system makes it difficult for citizens to challenge government actions, as cases can be delayed indefinitely or dismissed outright. CitizenGO claims that the government is exploiting these procedural loopholes in an attempt to shut down their lawsuit before it reaches trial.
Broader Implications for Religious Freedom
CitizenGO contends that their case highlights growing hostility toward Christians worldwide. They see this legal battle as a stand against censorship and intimidation.
In 2018, we reported the genocide of Middle East Christians struggling to maintain their faith. This is an ongoing problem.
CitizenGO says it is supported by more than 18.4 million people.
“This fight is bigger than us,” the group said. “Christians across the world are facing arrests, prosecutions, and censorship. This case is about drawing a line in the sand.”
A ruling from the Conseil d’État is expected in the coming months. If the case moves forward, it could set a significant precedent for religious freedom in France.
