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Protests in France and Germany as minister warns on Halloween masks
France's interior ministry says about fifteen thousand people are protesting nationwide, and masked demonstrators face fines of up to fifteen hundred euros; Halloween costume rules just got complicated.
On air: Hank Ledger, Vera Bullock and Brock Thunderson on Weekend EditionPublished
Photo: Getfunky Paris · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons · altered by BBNWatch it as it aired: Hank Ledger, Vera Bullock and Brock Thunderson on this story, from Weekend Edition at 11:00 AM ET. Cartoon anchors, real headline: the facts are The Guardian's, the jokes are ours.
At a glance
- First reported by The Guardian: “Protests under way in Germany and France as minister warns against use of Halloween masks – Europe live”, with reporting from France 24 and Asal Media.
- Covered on BBN on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at 11:00 AM ET on Weekend Edition, by Hank Ledger, Vera Bullock and Brock Thunderson.
- Topics: France, Halloween.
- BBN covered this story before: Inside Scoop: Can Talarico take Texas? France in flames, Trump’s… (October 28).
The real story
The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.
- The GuardianProtests under way in Germany and France as minister warns against use of Halloween masks – Europe live
- France 24Live: Some 15,000 demonstrators taking part in protests across France - France 24 October 31, 2026 · facts used on air
- Asal MediaHalloween Meets the Barricades: Can French Protesters March in Masks? October 31, 2026 · facts used on air
What BBN said about it
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorProtesters are marching in Paris, Lille and Lyon this morning, with demonstrations in Germany too, after France's interior minister warned that Halloween masks could bring fines.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorThe interior ministry says about fifteen thousand people are taking part across France.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorConcealing your face is a hundred-and-fifty-euro offense, and near a demonstration the fine can reach fifteen hundred.
Brock Thunderson · Chief MeteorologistA hundred and fifty euros for a costume. That's a pricey witch hat.
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Photo: John Fielding · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons · altered by BBN
Photo: Prime Minister's Office · OGL 3 · Wikimedia Commons · altered by BBN
Photo: N509FZ · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons · altered by BBN, shared under CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Dheerajk88 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons · altered by BBN, shared under CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Mys 721tx · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons · altered by BBN, shared under CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Gorgo · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons · altered by BBN
The story so far
- Alaska lawsuit, LeBron out, France marches, Arsenal win · The Guardian
- Le Pen launches presidential bid as protests rattle France · Japan Today
- Steelers beat Saints in first NFL game in France · ESPN
- Inside Scoop: Can Talarico take Texas? France in flames, Trump’s… · Washington Examiner
- Protests in France and Germany as minister warns on Halloween masks (this story)
From the archive: everything BBN aired on Saturday, October 31, 2026 · the World archive · all months
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