Lyon Authorities Launch Legal Action Against Social Media Account Linked to Dissolved Antifascist Group

The prefect of Rhône, Fabienne Buccio, has taken legal action against a social media account allegedly continuing the activities of the dissolved Groupe Antifasciste Lyon et Environs (GALE). The account, named '@antifa_lyon', is reported to police for inciting violence, particularly against law enforcement officers, and for advocating support for individuals charged with the homicide of far-right activist Quentin Deranque.

Buccio, invoking Article 40 of the penal procedure code to mandate reporting of potential crimes, highlighted the account's promotion of a book titled "A bas l’état, les flics et les fachos: fragments d’une lutte antifasciste," scheduled for publication in 2024. She described the account's encouragement of backing those accused in Deranque's killing as an "apology of a crime."

In addition, the prefecture flagged an article published on the anti-racist and antifascist website Rebellyon.info, titled "Quentin de moins, pétain en moins," for incitement to violence and hate speech. This piece supports detainees linked to the investigation of Deranque's homicide and features inflammatory statements such as "A fascist dead is one less in Nazi parades."

Buccio also reported instances during a recent memorial march for Deranque of Nazi salutes alongside racist and homophobic insults. These incidents have sparked ongoing investigations by the public prosecutor's office.

The actions by Lyon authorities underscore intensified scrutiny of far-left activist groups following violent incidents tied to political extremism in the city. The judicial investigations aim to address both the direct threats against law enforcement and the broader political violence atmosphere in Lyon.