Severe Knife Attack on Identity Group Member Sparks Investigation and Political Outcry in Lyon

On the evening of February 12, 23-year-old Quentin D., associated with the identity collective Némésis, was gravely injured in Lyon during an altercation linked to protests opposing a conference by MEP Rima Hassan. Emergency services found Quentin near the Saône River with multiple stab wounds, including serious head trauma, placing him in a coma and in critical condition. The Lyon prosecutor's office promptly opened an investigation for "aggravated violence."

According to Quentin's lawyer, Me Fabien Rajon, the young man was subjected to a "gratuitous lynching" by several armed assailants rather than a mere brawl between rival groups. Némésis asserts that Quentin was attacked by antifascist militants while providing security during their demonstration. Reports indicate that Quentin suffered multiple blows, including with brass knuckles, which contributed to his severe injuries.

The violence has provoked a strong political response. MEP Rima Hassan condemned the attack, emphasizing her security team does not engage in violence. French Minister of the Interior Philippe Baptiste denounced the incident as "furious madness," criticizing the degeneration of ideological debates into violent clashes. Lyon's mayor, Grégory Doucet, condemned the brutal violence, stating nothing can justify such acts. Anaïs Belouassa-Cherifi, a candidate for mayor, linked the attack to escalating tensions between far-right and far-left militants in the city.

Despite police presence during simultaneous protests near Sciences Po and University Lyon-3, the attack on Quentin occurred separately and remains under active investigation.

This incident highlights the volatile situation in Lyon amid heightened political activism, with ideological disputes between opposing militant groups occasionally turning violent. Authorities and local leaders continue to call for calm as investigations proceed.