On Saturday in Lyon, France, around 3,200 people participated in a memorial protest for right-wing activist Quentin Deranque, who had died from injuries sustained in a brutal beating. The event, organized by anti-abortion activist Aliette Espieux, drew attention because of the presence of some far-right groups among the demonstrators. In anticipation of possible clashes between protesters and counter-protesters, local authorities implemented stringent security measures.

Despite fears of violence, the protest largely unfolded without incident, though police arrested one individual found carrying a knife and hammer. Additionally, reports surfaced regarding Nazi salutes and racially and homophobically charged insults from some attendees, prompting an ongoing police investigation as they look into the possibility of further arrests related to these behaviors. This incident comes amid escalating political tensions in the country, particularly surrounding issues of right-wing extremism.

Deranque's tragic death and the subsequent memorial have sparked renewed discussions about the growing influence of far-right ideology in France, raising concerns about public safety and the limits of free speech. As law enforcement probes the reported extremist behaviors, the outcome of this investigation could have implications for how future protests are managed and might affect public perception of right-wing movements in France.