A violent attack in Lyon has left a 23-year-old student dead and prompted the arrest of nine individuals, including a parliamentary aide, in a case that has ignited political tensions across France.
Quentin Deranque, a maths student, died in hospital on Saturday, two days after being beaten and kicked in the head by a group of masked attackers. The assault took place after a small demonstration organised by far-right feminists at the city’s Institute of Political Studies, commonly called Sciences Po, where Deranque had been helping ensure the protest remained safe.
Investigators say the suspects are linked to the far-left and are associated with La Jeune Garde, a banned militant group. One of those taken into custody, Jacques-Elie Favrot, had been serving as a parliamentary assistant to a deputy from France Unbowed.
The arrests have put the party under intense scrutiny, raising questions about its ties to the militants and putting pressure on its 70 members of parliament. The party’s leader, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, a veteran politician and potential presidential contender, sought to distance his group from the attack.
Mélenchon said on Sunday, "nothing to do with this story. Those who accuse us are committing a libel. We express our consternation, but also our empathy and compassion for [Deranque's] family and friends. We have said dozens of times that we oppose all forms of violence."
State prosecutor Thierry Dran told reporters on Monday that Deranque was attacked by "at least six" individuals and that the post-mortem revealed fatal injuries to his skull and brain.
The case is now drawing national attention as it highlights the growing tensions between far-right and far-left groups, while also sparking debate about political accountability and the safety of students at public demonstrations.
