Excerpt:
Street prayers are banned in Paris as of today – a measure understood to mainly target Muslims who congregate in the Goutte d'Or area for Friday prayers.
The practice also takes place in other parts of France, most commonly Nice and Marseille, and it is thought the ban may be rolled out nation-wide, said France Soir.
In Paris than 1,000 people have been meeting for prayers in rues Myrha and Polonceau at 14.00 on Fridays, according to Interior Minister Claude Guéant, who says this "occupation of a public space by a religious practice" shocks passers-by and "contravenes the principle of laicity".