Published: 18 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online
French police have arrested nine suspects in connection with the beating death of a 23‑year‑old far‑right activism supporter in Lyon, an event that has heightened political tensions ahead of municipal elections in March and the 2027 presidential contest. The victim, Quentin Deranque, a mathematics student, died in hospital last weekend after he was assaulted by a group of people on 12 February during street violence linked to a protest. Authorities say the beating left him with fatal head injuries and have been investigating the case as a voluntary homicide and aggravated assault.
Lyon prosecutor Thierry Dran confirmed that four suspects were first detained on Tuesday, followed by five more, bringing the total in custody to nine. Six of those arrested are suspected of participating directly in the attack, while three are accused of aiding the assailants during the violent confrontation. Among the first group detained was a parliamentary assistant to a lawmaker from the hard‑left La France Insoumise (LFI) party, raising political sensitivities around the case.
Deranque’s death followed clashes on the sidelines of a demonstration involving rival political movements. The protest was organised by a far‑right collective and was taking place near the Sciences Po Lyon campus as people gathered around a speech by a left‑wing Member of the European Parliament. Authorities say Deranque and others were caught up in a melee that quickly turned violent, resulting in him being beaten by several individuals before being left with serious brain trauma.
Official sources said the attack involved at least six people confronting Deranque in the street. A video circulating in French media reportedly shows multiple assailants striking individuals lying on the ground during the disorder. Prosecutors declined to provide details on the exact circumstances, stating that the investigation is ongoing and that additional arrests are possible.
The political dimension of the case has triggered reactions from leaders across the spectrum. Jean‑Luc Mélenchon, leader of LFI, condemned the violence and said those who attacked Deranque had “dishonoured themselves,” while vehemently denying any official party involvement in the killing. Several right‑wing figures, including members of the National Rally, have accused left‑wing rhetoric of fuelling the unrest and demanded accountability.
French President Emmanuel Macron also weighed in before the arrests, urging calm and restraint in the face of mounting tensions and emphasising that “hatred that kills has no place in our country,” as authorities promised a thorough inquiry.
The killing and subsequent arrests have underlined deepening polarisation in French society, with political violence becoming a flashpoint amid campaigns for upcoming elections. The French National Assembly observed a minute’s silence in Deranque’s memory, and a march in his honour is expected in Lyon later this week as communities seek justice and answers.
























































































