Emmanuel Macron has called on the French to avoid "any escalation of violence" following the lynching and death in Lyon of the nationalist student Quentin Deranque, at the hands of activists allegedly linked to the far left. Eleven suspects have been arrested so far, including two parliamentary assistants of La France Insoumise (LFI) of Jean-Luc Mélenchon.
The French President, on an official visit to India, has expressed his "concern" about the political tension in the country following the tragic event. The political pressure around LFI continued to tighten on Thursday, with calls for the suspension of the "rebellious" parliamentarian Raphaël Arnault, founder of Guardia Joven, the group allegedly involved in the fatal attack on Quentin.
The family of the deceased student has also called for "calm" among the population. "The family condemns all incitement to violence," said their lawyer Fabien Rajon, who announced the parents' decision not to participate in the Saturday march in tribute to their son. "We hope that those who attend do so with moderation and without political expression," added the lawyer.
The Mayor of Lyon, Grégory Doucet, has also asked the police authorities not to authorize the march in tribute to Quentin, organized by the ultra group Audace. "While the gathering of family, friends, and those affected by this death is perfectly understandable, there are indications that the demonstration call is circulating within far-right networks, both locally and nationally," warned the mayor.
Doucet expressed his "concern about the possible arrival of individuals likely to commit acts of violence" and assured that his priority is "the protection of the people of Lyon and the maintenance of public order." Local far-left groups have announced their intention to hold a parallel demonstration on the same Saturday.
Former Interior Minister and leader of The Republicans Bruno Retailleau pointed the finger at Guardia Joven as "a murderous militia linked to a far-left party that doesn't even apologize."
"All this is deplorable and Raphaël Arnault must resign as a deputy of La France Insoumise," added Retailleau. "It is a shame that he remains in Parliament. La France Insoumise encourages violence and is not a party that fits within the republican framework."
"Words can kill and La France Insoumise is showing its true face," declared Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin. "The two extremes are converging: I am concerned about the political violence affecting our country."