France is observing the 11th anniversary of the November 2015 Paris terrorist attacks, which claimed 130 lives. Commemorations are taking place today, coinciding with a rugby match between France and South Africa, the first significant sporting event at the Stade de France since the attacks.
A tribute will occur ahead of the match this evening at the national stadium in Saint-Denis, just north of Paris. France’s rugby coach, Fabien Galthié, stated, “We will have a moment’s pause for the events of that date and we will think about the families and the victims who are still suffering. And we will think about our Republic, which is also suffering.”
The attacks by Islamic State extremists shocked the nation and led to significant changes in France’s security measures. On the night of 13 November 2015, three suicide bombers detonated devices outside the Stade de France, resulting in one bystander death. Gunmen also attacked several cafés and the Bataclan concert hall, killing 90 people during an Eagles of Death Metal performance.
In total, the coordinated attacks killed 130 people and injured more than 400. Many survivors continue to suffer the psychological effects, and two have since taken their own lives. The state of emergency enacted in the aftermath brought forth tighter counter-terrorism laws, and a major trial in 2022 convicted 19 individuals. Salah Abdeslam, the sole surviving attacker, received a life sentence.
Today’s commemorations also resonate with ongoing reflections on societal issues, as highlighted by Galthié. The French rugby team previously marked the anniversary with games, but today’s event holds unique significance as it returns sport to the Stade de France on this memorial date.
A moment of remembrance will precede the match kick-off at 9:10pm, honouring those lost on that tragic night.
