Lyon: significant anti-RN mobilization, the demonstration degenerates with violence

A massively filled Place des Terreaux this Friday evening, in the 1st arrondissement of Lyon, to oppose the National Rally given at the head of the legislative elections organized after the dissolution of the National Assembly triggered by Emmanuel Macron.

Several thousand people, at least 3,500, came gathered in front of the town hall in the center of Lyon in the early evening at the call of several unions, left-wing political parties of the Popular Front and far-left organizations. The demonstration took place initially proceeded calmly.

The demonstrators shouted anti-RN slogans like “Everyone hates Bardella” or even comments in support of Palestine.

Wild demonstration and first clashes

The static gathering then turned into a “wild” demonstration on Rue de la République and Place Bellecour. The McDonald’s on rue de la République had to close urgently in front of the procession. A restaurant of the brand was ransacked at the end of May in Paris on the sidelines of a pro-Gaza demonstration.

The first clashes broke out in front of Vieux-Lyon at the Bonaparte bridge. Projectiles were thrown at the police who responded with tear gas.

A video also shows a woman complaining at her window about the presence of demonstrators in front of her building then a man trying to break down the door of the building with a sign to gain entry.

Mortar fire and trash fires

Police charges and the use of tear gas were observed on Place Bellecour.

Incidents also broke out with part of the procession in the Guillotière district with mortar fire against the police, trash fires, projectile throwing and damage to street furniture.

Three police officers were injured according to the Rhône prefecture and one person “slightly injured” among the demonstrators. Several police personnel were deployed this evening as well as three CRS units including the 83.

Far-right activists in Old Lyon, new demonstration on Sunday

Far-right activists were also seen in Old Lyon this evening shouting “Islam outside Europe”, according to videos published on X.

According to our information, they organized the filming of a video, were surrounded by police and finally dispersed while running. Far-left activists, for their part, are talking about a “ratonade” project.

Wednesday evening, an anti-RN demonstration also took place on the peninsula with damage noted in the evening in the 2nd arrondissement. This weekend, thousands of demonstrators are expected in many cities in France including Paris to denounce the extreme right.

In Lyon, another demonstration is also organized on Sunday afternoon by the inter-union including the CGT and FO.

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