France Summons US Ambassador Over Activist Death Remarks

Was Deranque a participant in France's deadly right-wing violence or himself a victim of extremism?

Published 19 hours ago

France Summons US Ambassador Over Activist Death Remarks

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Above: A poster hung on the facade of the Auvergne Rhone Alpes Region Headquarter after the death of Quentin Deranque in Lyon, France, on Feb. 22. Image credit: Matthieu Delaty/Hans Lucas/AFP/Getty Images

The Spin

Left narrative

Deranque's death marks the tragic culmination of years of unchecked far-right violence that has claimed six lives since 2021 while authorities stood by. The neofascist militant participated in organizing within Lyon's notorious extremist scene, which regularly launches racist attacks on people of color and LGBTQ individuals. Data shows 90% of ideologically motivated murders in France stem from far-right actors, yet political exploitation now seeks to demonize anti-fascism itself.

Europe Solidaire Sans Frontières Jacobin

Right narrative

A young man protecting peaceful protesters was brutally lynched by masked militants who beat him as he lay motionless on the ground. Deranque showed no violence yet became the victim of extremists who believe physical force can justifiably be used to silence political opponents. The attack followed a pattern of antifascist groups routinely threatening and assaulting those with unfashionable views, turning democratic disagreement into deadly confrontation.

The Telegraph

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