French police have arrested nine suspects in connection with the fatal beating of 23-year-old Quentin Deranque, an activist linked to nationalist circles. The tragic incident occurred in Lyon during clashes between far-right groups and anti-fascists, near the venue of a conference by MEP Rima Hassan. Among those detained is a parliamentary assistant to a deputy of the far-left party La France Insoumise, sparking a fierce debate in France about political violence.

Mass arrests after lynching

French police have apprehended nine suspects in the fatal beating of Quentin Deranque, including a parliamentary assistant linked to the far left.

Controversy over LFI assistant

Among those arrested is Jacques-Élie Favrot, a collaborator of MP Raphaël Arnault, putting the La France Insoumise party under intense criticism.

Rising tensions in Lyon

The death of the 23-year-old has sparked a wave of retaliatory attacks on political offices and the announcement of protest marches this Saturday.

French public opinion has been shaken by the death of Quentin Deranque, a 23-year-old mathematics student associated with identitarian movements. The tragic lynching occurred on Thursday, February 12, 2026, in the center of Lyon. The victim was attacked by a group of masked assailants while a meeting with MEP Rima Hassan was taking place at the nearby Sciences Po institute. Deranque died in hospital two days later from severe head injuries. The Lyon prosecutor, Thierry Dran, announced the arrest of a total of nine suspects. The most controversial aspect is that one of those apprehended is Jacques-Élie Favrot, a parliamentary collaborator of Raphaël Arnault. Investigators are examining the detainees' links to the organization Jeune Garde, which had previously been under scrutiny by authorities over allegations of violence. Police have secured surveillance footage documenting the brutality of the attack on the defenseless student lying on the ground. France has a long history of political radicalization in major urban centers; Lyon has been a bastion of both neo-Nazi groups and strongly formalized anarchist militias since the 1970s. The incident has led to sharp polarization on the political scene. Government and right-wing representatives accuse the La France Insoumise party of fostering a climate of tolerance for aggression against ideological opponents. Meanwhile, left-wing leaders, while declaring their rejection of violence, warn against demonizing the entire anti-fascist movement. A silent march has been announced in Lyon for this Saturday to commemorate the victim, but authorities fear the demonstration could escalate into further clashes between rival factions. „The attack was characterized by extreme violence, and the victim was literally beaten by at least six assailants.” — Thierry Dran 9 — people arrested in connection with the student's murder The investigation is being conducted as a case of premeditated murder. The situation remains tense, with acts of vandalism targeting La France Insoumise parliamentary offices occurring across the country in retaliation for Deranque's death. Experts note this is one of the most serious cases of political violence in France's modern history, reminiscent of past tragic events that led to the banning of radical organizations on both sides of the divide.

Mentioned People

  • Quentin Deranque — 23-year-old mathematics student and identitarian activist, victim of a fatal beating in Lyon.
  • Thierry Dran — Lyon prosecutor overseeing the investigation into the murder of Quentin Deranque.
  • Rima Hassan — Member of the European Parliament for La France Insoumise, whose conference was taking place near the attack site.
  • Raphaël Arnault — Far-left MP whose assistant was arrested in connection with the case.