French anti-terrorism prosecutors have charged and remanded three French women, aged 18, 19 and 21, on suspicion of preparing an attack in Paris, with possible targets said to include bars or concert halls.
According to official and media reports, the women discussed acquiring firearms and explosive belts and met at least once in person before their arrests in early October. They deny planning a real attack.
The National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office (PNAT) opened a judicial investigation for “participation in a terrorist criminal association in preparation of offences against persons”. The three suspects were placed in pre-trial detention on 10 October.
Investigators say the women communicated online for weeks, exchanging messages about a possible attack in the capital. Among scenarios discussed were an assault on a bar terrace or a concert venue; their online exchanges also referred to procuring firearms and making explosive belts. One in-person meeting by the trio contributed to the assessment that they might move from discussion to action.
All three suspects are French nationals. They were not detained in Paris itself: arrests took place in the Lyon area (Lyon and neighbouring Villeurbanne) and in Vierzon, a town south of Orléans. The 19-year-old is viewed by investigators as the leading figure in the group. French domestic intelligence (DGSI) is reported to have accessed their communications after monitoring a contact already on the services’ radar.
Media accounts indicate that the alleged project involved consideration of a suicide device and that the trio had consumed jihadist propaganda on social networks including TikTok, Snapchat and Telegram. Lawyers for at least one suspect have urged caution about conclusions drawn from early-stage evidence, saying the investigation should determine what is substantiated.
The case emerges days before the tenth anniversary of the 13 November 2015 Paris attacks, in which 130 people were killed at the Bataclan concert hall, on café terraces and near the Stade de France. Commemorations are scheduled in Paris and Saint-Denis between 7 and 16 November 2025.
In a separate development on Saturday, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez instructed prefects and police leaders to heighten vigilance ahead of the anniversary, with particular attention to concert halls and large festive gatherings. The minister’s written guidance, cited by TF1/LCI, calls for the “highest level of vigilance” across the territory and references the recently “thwarted” plot attributed to the three women.
The arrests also fit a broader pattern described by French media and officials this year, with a series of alleged plots disrupted and a noted rise in very young suspects engaged in extremist content or aspirational planning online. Le Monde reported that the suspected project by the three women would be at least the sixth plot foiled in France since the start of 2025. Earlier this year, separate investigations led to charges against teenagers in other parts of the country.
France’s overall threat posture remains elevated. In recent days, statements from prosecutors and officials highlighted a high risk of attempted attacks, particularly around symbolic dates and venues. Authorities continue to rely on a mix of judicial investigations, DGSI monitoring and the deployment of police and Operation Sentinelle troops under national security plans.
Key factual points disclosed so far indicate:
• Suspects: three French women aged 18, 19 and 21; the 19-year-old is considered the leader.
• Locations of arrest: Lyon and Villeurbanne (Rhône) and Vierzon (Cher).
• Procedural status: charged and remanded on 10 October under PNAT-led judicial information.
• Alleged discussions: firearms and explosive belts; indicative targets included a bar or concert hall in Paris; at least one physical meeting took place.
• Defence position: suspects now deny planning a concrete attack; a defence lawyer has cautioned against premature conclusions.
The investigation will examine the degree of capability and intent, including whether the women took steps beyond online discussion—such as concrete acquisition efforts for weapons or precursors—and whether they received direction from any third party already under surveillance. No specific venue has been publicly identified as a target, and no date for a potential action has been disclosed by authorities.
With commemorations approaching on Thursday, 13 November, security services are expected to maintain reinforced protective measures around high-profile public places, concert halls and festive gatherings in the capital. City-led memorial events are scheduled through the week.
