French Conservative Activist Between Life and Death After Lyon Assault, Supporters Blame Antifa
A man providing security for a conservative French women’s group in Lyon is expected to die after suffering catastrophic brain injuries, with supporters blaming members of the far-left anti-fascist movement for the attack.
According to a statement circulated by activists, the young man—identified as Quentin—was part of a small security team protecting members of conservative feminist collective Collectif Némésis during a conference led by left wing MEP Rima Hassan at Sciences Po Lyon.
The group claims Quentin was attacked by a large group of anti-fascists on the outskirts of the event, beaten to the ground, kicked, and left unconscious in the street.
French daily Le Figaro reported that a nationalist activist was found in critical condition after being assaulted following the conference, and was rushed to hospital with severe head injuries. He was later placed in an induced coma, with his condition described as life-threatening at the time of reporting.
In their statement, Quentin’s supporters alleged the attack was premeditated and carried out by individuals affiliated with ANTIFA.
They said he suffered catastrophic brain injuries after his head struck the pavement during the assault, and that last rites were administered by a priest.
French mayor David Lisnard posted on X: “These far-left activists call themselves “antifas” but they are totally fascist, because they are completely sectarian and act in totally violent packs, even to the point of killing those who do not think like them.”
French authorities have opened an investigation into the incident.
As of now, police have not publicly confirmed the number of attackers, their political affiliations, or the precise circumstances leading to the fatal injuries.
Rima Hassan posted on X that an “investigation must shed full light on the circumstances of these extremely serious and unacceptable events, which I firmly condemn. Those responsible for this violence must be held accountable as soon as possible so that justice can be done.”