Recent Events After Quentin D.’s Death in Lyon
- Since Quentin D., a student close to identity groups, was violently assaulted on Thursday, political reactions have been escalating.
- The right, extreme right, and the government blame the extreme left for the tragedy.
- Implicated in the incident, a Lyon antifascist group founded by a rebellious representative denies any involvement, while LFI claims to have “nothing to do with this story.”
In front of the Sorbonne in Paris, dozens gathered on Sunday, shouting “Justice for Quentin!” Friends of the 23-year-old student, killed on Saturday after being attacked in Lyon, came to express their anger. Both activists and politicians were present. The tribute to the young man, ending with a minute of silence, was organized by several identity and nationalist groups.
Groups like Les Natifs, La Bastide Bordelaise, and L’Oriflamme Rennes participated, along with far-right figures like Marion Maréchal-Le Pen and Éric Zemmour. Quentin D. had connections to the identity group Némésis and at one point was part of the Action Française section in Vienne, according to the latter organization.
Antifascist Group in Lyon Responds to Accusations
During the gathering, a banner reading “Antifa murderers, justice for Quentin” was displayed at the university building. Far-right and right-wing figures, as well as the government, pointed fingers at extreme left-wing antifascist movements. The Minister of Justice Gérald Darmanin and the Interior Minister Laurent Nunez implicated the far left in the “lynching.”
A particular antifascist group, Jeune Garde, was named by the extreme right, although the prosecution has not confirmed any connection yet. Némésis claimed that Quentin was attacked by antifascist militants, some of whom were allegedly from Jeune Garde, dissolved in June 2025. They stated the student was part of a group protecting their activists protesting an event featuring a rebellious MEP at the Institute of Political Studies in Lyon.
The Jeune Garde replied in a statement, denying responsibility as the group had suspended activities. Raphaël Arnault, a lawmaker associated with the group, condemned the incident and stated he would step back during investigations.
Leftist Party Rejects Responsibility in the Attack
Amidst the political turmoil, the Insoumis party faced scrutiny. The leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon has acknowledged links between his party and Jeune Garde. However, he disassociated from accusations, calling them false. The party coordinator Manuel Bompard reiterated that LFI had no involvement in the assault.
The exact circumstances of the attack are still under investigation. The Lyon prosecutor is expected to provide updates on the case, which includes charges of aggravated assault and murder, in a press conference on Monday at 3 p.m. The prosecutor mentioned that several testimonies had been collected, focusing on identifying the direct perpetrators of the violent acts.
