A protest at La Gaîté Lyrique in Paris by unaccompanied minors from sub-Saharan Africa is drawing attention to their plight. Originating from the Belleville Park Youth Collective, about 350 individuals are occupying the venue, faced with harsh winter conditions and limited options. Despite difficult relations with the French government, the protestors seek legal recognition of their status, as many were denied asylum in the immigration process. A spokesperson noted the venue management's difficult choice to avoid police intervention, recognizing the urgent need for shelter and resolution for these vulnerable young individuals.
"They told us 'sorry, we won't be moving'. Temperatures were about to drop below zero degrees and many had nowhere to go," David Robert, La Gaîté Lyrique's spokesperson told Euronews.
"We [the venue's management] were faced with the tough decision of whether we should call the police to evacuate the premises. However, we knew that this would involve violence and that these young people would end up sleeping on the streets if no solution was found."
"The occupation is forcible, but how could we have kicked out send hundreds of young adults and make them sleep on the streets in freezing temperatures?"
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