Support don't Punish, 2016 edition

The week will take place from June 22 to 26 Support, Don't Punish against the global drug enforcement policy.

As the UN is set to convene for a «International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking», consumers, activists, and/or ordinary citizens are invited to participate in the campaign Support, Don't Punish. After 60 years of’the ineffectiveness of drug enforcement policies, consumers can now voice their disagreement.

Held simultaneously in more than 50 countries around the world, the fourth edition of this international day of action promises to be a resounding success.

Not only is the number of participating cities increasing every year, but drug users are calling for more freedom, more accountability, and less repression. Activists are also calling for an end to the code of silence surrounding medical benefits of cannabis and a reclassification of drugs based on their level of danger.

Various French events

The "Support Don't Punish" gatherings will feature debates and roundtable discussions on the following topics: how to break the cycle of repression and how to adopt an appropriate health and social approach to drugs.

Events of June 24:

Rallies will take place in Toulouse at 38 d’Aubuisson, in Nancy at 858 Avenue Raymond Pinchard, and in Montpellier at Place de la Comédie.

The events of June 25:

Most major cities will join the movement.

Activists will gather at Place de la République in Paris, joined by others in Pau in front of the courthouse from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. In Toulouse, booths will be set up on Allée Franklin Roosevelt. Brittany isn’t left out either; gatherings will take place at Place du Bouffay in Nantes and in the village of Botmeur. In French Guiana, the rally will take place in Cayenne at Place des Palmistes.

The organization Chanvre et libertés provides a list of all events in France, Belgium, and Switzerland via this link. The movement's organizers are calling on all internet users who oppose repressive policies to change their profile picture to the "Support Don't Punish" logo or to share the hashtag ##SupportDontPunish.

Théo Caillart