About 3,000 people marched in Lyon, France, supporting deceased far-right activist Quentin Deranque, amidst reports of Nazi salutes and masked demonstrators.
In Lyon, France, approximately 3,000 individuals participated in a demonstration on Saturday in support of Quentin Deranque, a far-right activist who recently passed away. Local authorities reported that many of the demonstrators were masked and carried torches during the march. Chants including 'Justice for Quentin!' echoed through the streets while a banner reading 'The extreme left kills' was prominently displayed, highlighting the tension surrounding Deranque's death, which occurred after a violent altercation on February 12 between far-right and leftist activists.
Deranque, 23, succumbed to injuries sustained during a clash at a far-right protest that turned deadly, leading to national outcry and unrest. Before the march, French President Emmanuel Macron urged calm among the public, stating that "no form of violence is legitimate in the Republic" and emphasizing that militias have no place in French society, regardless of their political affiliations. This statement reflects the government's stance on maintaining order amidst rising tensions linked to far-right activities and clashes with leftist groups.
The demonstration not only underscores the escalating divisions within French society but also raises questions about the response of law enforcement and local leadership regarding the safety and regulation of public protests. Mayor Gregory Doucet attempted to dissuade the march beforehand, indicating the delicate balance local authorities are attempting to maintain in the face of growing extremist sentiments and political violence.
