The death of a 23 year old student in Lyon has triggered a political storm in France, with senior ministers pointing fingers at far left activists.
Quentin Deranque, a maths student and nationalist campaigner, died on Saturday. He suffered severe head injuries after a violent street assault two days earlier. Prosecutors say at least six people attacked him, kicking and punching him during the incident. An autopsy confirmed fatal damage to his skull and brain.
What Happened in Lyon?
The violence followed a small protest in Lyon on Thursday afternoon. Deranque had shown support for Némésis, a hard right feminist group. The group staged a demonstration against a visit by LFI Member of the European Parliament Rima Hassan to the city’s Institute of Political Studies, known as Sciences Po.
Video recorded near the protest shows several young men being chased and beaten by a larger group. One man, believed to be Deranque, lay motionless on the ground after the attack.
State prosecutor Thierry Dran said two groups first clashed briefly. Later, Deranque and two other nationalist activists tried to leave the area. A larger group cornered them and launched a second assault.
Two members of Némésis were also injured during the earlier confrontation.
Government Blames Far Left Militants
Ministers in President Emmanuel Macron’s government quickly blamed far left activists for the killing.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez described the attack as a “mob killing.” He said the attackers may not have intended to cause death, but their actions proved fatal.
Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin was more direct. He stated that the far left killed Deranque and said there was no doubt about responsibility.
Police have opened a murder investigation. Officers are working to identify suspects, but authorities have not made any arrests so far.
Pressure on France Unbowed and Security Group
The case has increased pressure on the radical left party France Unbowed, also known as LFI. Attention has also turned to La Jeune Garde, a group previously linked to security at LFI events.
Members of Némésis claim they recognized activists from La Jeune Garde during the disruption of their protest. The group denies any involvement in the violence.
Rima Hassan condemned the incident and called for a full investigation. She stated on social media that LFI provided her only security during the visit and said party members had no role in the assault.
Family Responds
Deranque’s lawyer, Fabrice Rajon, rejected claims that his client worked as a security agent. He said Deranque never engaged in violent activity and defended his political views peacefully.
The incident comes at a tense moment in French politics, just weeks before key municipal elections. The investigation continues as authorities try to determine who carried out the deadly attack.
