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Geneva police authorize public events despite high security

A Swiss police officer controls the area in front of France's mission during a high level of alert in Geneva, Switzerland, Thursday, Dec. 10, 2015. Geneva police were "actively searching" Thursday for suspects in connection with an investigation into the Paris attacks last month, and authorities raised the security alert level in the city and surrounding region, Swiss security officials said. (Salvatore Di Nolfi/Keystone via AP) A Swiss police officer controls the area in front of France's mission during a high level of alert in Geneva, Switzerland, Thursday, Dec. 10, 2015. Geneva police were "actively searching" Thursday for suspects in connection with an investigation into the Paris attacks last month, and authorities raised the security alert level in the city and surrounding region, Swiss security officials said. (Salvatore Di Nolfi/Keystone via AP)

By Associated Press December 11, 2015 1 min read

GENEVA (AP) – Security officials in Geneva say public events, including a beloved December costume parade, will go ahead as planned this weekend, despite the heightened security alert and ongoing hunt for suspects allegedly linked to the radical Islamic State group.

The Geneva department of security said in a statement Friday that “the level of vigilance remains unchanged for now” and reinforced police deployments will be maintained. It said the public can stay informed through a mobile phone app.

Swiss officials said Thursday that Geneva police were hunting for at least four suspects allegedly linked to IS and believed to be plotting a “specific” attack in the city.

Among other events, Geneva hosts a centuries-old commemoration called “Escalade” this weekend recalling a 1602 battle in which citizens repulsed Savoy invaders.