The trial of long-standing trade unionist Frédéric Vuillaume starts on 20 May. His peaceful participation in protests as part of the Yellow Vests movement since its outset has been marked by multiple pre-charge detentions, arrests and prosecutions, similarly to thousands of other peaceful protesters in France. He has been charged with ‘attroupement’ (participation in an assembly that is likely to disrupt public order) for exercising his right to peaceful assembly and risks up to one year in prison and a fine. These absurd charges must be dropped.
