The fatal beating of a 23-year-old far-right sympathiser in Lyon has sparked a blame game between France's left and right political circles, while an investigation is underway to uncover the sequence of events leading up to the young man's death.
Issued on: 16/02/2026 - RFI
The killing of 23-year-old far-right sympathiser Quentin Deranque has become a political lightning rod in France © Sylvain THOMAS / AFP
Alara Koknar
Quentin, a 23-year-old mathematics student linked to the far-right collective Némésis, died after being severely beaten during clashes in the city of Lyon on Thursday evening.
Némésis is known for high-profile actions opposing immigration and feminism, and for staging protests targeting left-wing political figures.
According to the group, Quentin had been "helping provide security" for its members as they demonstrated near the university Sciences Po Lyon, where Rima Hassan, a Member of the European Parliament from the hard-left party France Unbowed, was holding a conference.
Clashes between rival political groups
Police sources say an initial confrontation between far-right and far-left supporters escalated into a violent clash roughly 500 metres from the university. Both groups consisted of about twenty individuals. A video acquired by French television channel TF1 shows several individuals beating a man on the ground.
On social media, Némésis has refered to the incident as a “lynching” of its activists, but prosecutors say they are still working to determine the precise sequence of events.
Quentin was later treated by firefighters for a serious head injury. He was hospitalised in critical condition and later declared brain dead on Friday before passing away on Saturday.
Lyon prosecutor Thierry Dran told reporters at a press conference on Monday afternoon that a criminal investigation into voluntary homicide is being conducted by the Lyon police department.
Quentin’s family lawyer has described the attack as a “premeditated ambush”, a claim not yet substantiated by investigators.
Alara Koknar
Quentin, a 23-year-old mathematics student linked to the far-right collective Némésis, died after being severely beaten during clashes in the city of Lyon on Thursday evening.
Némésis is known for high-profile actions opposing immigration and feminism, and for staging protests targeting left-wing political figures.
According to the group, Quentin had been "helping provide security" for its members as they demonstrated near the university Sciences Po Lyon, where Rima Hassan, a Member of the European Parliament from the hard-left party France Unbowed, was holding a conference.
Clashes between rival political groups
Police sources say an initial confrontation between far-right and far-left supporters escalated into a violent clash roughly 500 metres from the university. Both groups consisted of about twenty individuals. A video acquired by French television channel TF1 shows several individuals beating a man on the ground.
On social media, Némésis has refered to the incident as a “lynching” of its activists, but prosecutors say they are still working to determine the precise sequence of events.
Quentin was later treated by firefighters for a serious head injury. He was hospitalised in critical condition and later declared brain dead on Friday before passing away on Saturday.
Lyon prosecutor Thierry Dran told reporters at a press conference on Monday afternoon that a criminal investigation into voluntary homicide is being conducted by the Lyon police department.
Quentin’s family lawyer has described the attack as a “premeditated ambush”, a claim not yet substantiated by investigators.
'Pray for Quentin': the killing of a 23-year-old far-right sympathiser in the French city of Lyon has triggered protests © ALAIN JOCARD / AFP
Ministers and party leaders trade accusations
Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin said Sunday that “the far-left had clearly killed” the student.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez also suggested that early evidence pointed to involvement of "far-left activists", mentioning possible links to the Jeune Garde, an anti-fascist group dissolved for its violence in 2025. His claim has yet to be confirmed.
On the right, Marion Maréchal, a far-right member of the European Parliament and niece of Marine Le Pen, accused France Unbowed's of responsibility.
Former interior minister Bruno Retailleau echoed similar claims, expressing that “it is not the police who kill in France, but the far-left”.
French prosecutors stick to demand for five-year ban for Le Pen
Meanwhile, France Unbowed leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon expressed “shock, empathy and compassion” for the family at a rally in Montpellier, while rejecting what he considered “slander”.
“We have nothing to do with this story,” he said, insisting his movement opposes political violence.
Ministers and party leaders trade accusations
Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin said Sunday that “the far-left had clearly killed” the student.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez also suggested that early evidence pointed to involvement of "far-left activists", mentioning possible links to the Jeune Garde, an anti-fascist group dissolved for its violence in 2025. His claim has yet to be confirmed.
On the right, Marion Maréchal, a far-right member of the European Parliament and niece of Marine Le Pen, accused France Unbowed's of responsibility.
Former interior minister Bruno Retailleau echoed similar claims, expressing that “it is not the police who kill in France, but the far-left”.
French prosecutors stick to demand for five-year ban for Le Pen
Meanwhile, France Unbowed leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon expressed “shock, empathy and compassion” for the family at a rally in Montpellier, while rejecting what he considered “slander”.
“We have nothing to do with this story,” he said, insisting his movement opposes political violence.
No comments:
Post a Comment