Migrants Evicted After 3-Month Venue Takeover
- Police in Paris have initiated a large-scale eviction of teh Gaite Lyrique theatre, a venue in the heart of the city that had been occupied by hundreds of...
- The Gaite Lyrique theatre, located in central Paris, had been occupied by as many as 400 immigrants for several months.
- Riot police faced crowds of protesters attempting to obstruct the evictions.
Paris Police Evict Migrants from Gaite Lyrique Theater Amid Protests
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Police in Paris have initiated a large-scale eviction of teh Gaite Lyrique theatre, a venue in the heart of the city that had been occupied by hundreds of migrants. The theatre, a cultural landmark, had become a focal point of the city’s ongoing migrant crisis.
The Gaite Lyrique theatre, located in central Paris, had been occupied by as many as 400 immigrants for several months. Now, a meaningful number of officers have arrived too carry out the eviction.
Early Morning Operation and Protests
The police operation began before 6 a.m. local time. Riot police faced crowds of protesters attempting to obstruct the evictions.
The migrants, identifying themselves as the “Collectif des jeunes du Parc de Belleville,” are protesting what they describe as the French Government’s “ignoring” and “abandoning” of them.
Background of the Occupation
The situation began on December 10 when the migrants arrived at the Gaite Lyrique for a “refugee conference.” They remained in the theatre, leading to the cancellation of performances and pushing the venue “to the brink of bankruptcy.”
Protesters gathered the night before the eviction to demonstrate against the action. The group occupying the theatre declared that “the solution is not to move us elsewhere.”
The left-wing venue, which relies on ticket sales for 70 percent of its income, struggled to meet overhead costs, including wages for its 60 employees. Despite these financial difficulties, management initially stated it would be “unthinkable for the Gaite Lyrique to throw these people out onto the street in the middle of winter.”
Prior to the december conference, 250 African migrants were directed to the venue by Parisian activists.
Impact on Local businesses
Nearby businesses have experienced significant disruption due to the occupation. Elia, the manager of the local restaurant Bistrot De La Gaite, stated that the restaurant has lost approximately €30,000 (£25,000) in revenue as the occupation began.
Elia, whose parents emigrated from Algeria to France, said, They are ruining my business. They hang around outside my terrace, smoking joints and fighting among themselves.
Venue’s Plea for Help
In February, the Gaite Lyrique issued a ”last-chance plea for help” from authorities.
On February 26, the venue released a statement emphasizing the severity of the situation:
The situation in the building is at a tipping point, with untenable overcrowded resulting in increasingly severe and frequent violence.
The fire alarm has been set off several times over the last few days.
The moast recent serious incident was a fire started in the occupied areas on February 21, which required the intervention of the Paris fire department and the national police.
We call on the City of Paris, cultural actors, representatives from the social and solidary economy, civil society, and the government to support a common vision, shared values, and efforts to work together and take collective action.
Paris Police Evict Migrants from Gaite Lyrique Theater: A Q&A Guide
On March 18, 2025, police in Paris carried out a large-scale eviction of the Gaite Lyrique theater, which had been occupied by hundreds of migrants for several months. This Q&A article provides a comprehensive overview of the situation, addressing key questions and concerns.
Key Questions About the Gaite Lyrique Theater Eviction
What happened at the Gaite Lyrique theater in Paris?
On March 18, 2025, parisian police evicted hundreds of migrants who had been occupying the Gaite Lyrique theater for over three months. The eviction occurred in the early morning, with riot police facing protesters attempting to obstruct the operation.
Why were migrants occupying the Gaite Lyrique theater?
The migrants, identifying themselves as the “Collectif des jeunes du Parc de Belleville,” were protesting what they described as the French government’s “ignoring” and “abandoning” of them. They arrived at the theater on December 10 for a “refugee conference” and remained there.
When did the occupation of the Gaite Lyrique begin?
The occupation of the Gaite Lyrique theater began on December 10,2024,when a group of migrants arrived for a “refugee conference” and afterward remained in the venue.
Where is the Gaite Lyrique theater located?
The Gaite Lyrique theater is located in the centre of Paris, France.
How many migrants were occupying the theater?
Reports indicate that as many as 400 migrants were occupying the Gaite Lyrique theater. Other reports indicate Approximately 450 young migrants
Impact and Consequences of the Occupation
What was the impact of the occupation on the Gaite Lyrique theater?
The occupation led to the cancellation of performances and pushed the venue “to the brink of bankruptcy.” The left-wing venue, which relies on ticket sales for 70 percent of its income, struggled to meet overhead costs, including wages for its 60 employees.
How did the occupation affect local businesses?
Nearby businesses experienced significant disruption. El