Four Arrested in Quentin Deranque Death Probe, Including LFI Parliamentary Assistant

Four men have been arrested in connection with the investigation into the death of Quentin Deranque, a 23-year-old extreme right activist who died after an assault during an event in Lyon. Among those detained is a parliamentary assistant to Raphaël Arnault, deputy of La France Insoumise (LFI). Lyon prosecutor Thierry Dran confirmed the arrests, which were conducted amid mounting political controversy.

Deranque died following an assault that occurred during a gathering featuring MEP Rima Hassan at the Institute of Political Studies in Lyon. The parliamentary collaborator’s access to the Palais Bourbon has been suspended by the President of the National Assembly, Yaël Braun-Pivet. The assistant denies involvement in the attack and has stepped down temporarily from his role while cooperating with authorities.

This incident has sparked significant political fallout. Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of LFI, condemned the violence, stating it undermines democracy and stressed that LFI’s strategy relies on peaceful mass action and voting rather than violence. He was, however, criticized by Jordan Bardella, President of the National Rally, who accused Mélenchon of moral and political responsibility for the violent atmosphere, alleging complicity with far-left groups responsible for unrest.

Additionally, Olivier Faure, First Secretary of the Socialist Party, called for LFI to clarify its position on violent factions, particularly if the dissolved movement Jeune Garde, which is close to LFI, is implicated in the investigation. During parliamentary sessions, accusations were also directed at Mélenchon’s party for alleged complacency towards the Jeune Garde and contributing to the brutalization of political life in France.

Quentin Deranque was known to frequent circles of traditionalist Catholics and identity movements characterized by deep-seated racism, adding further complexity to the background of this tragic event.

The investigation is ongoing, with further developments awaited as the political parties respond to growing public concern over the violence and unrest linked to this case.