Micah Jonah, February 15, 2026
French President, Emmanuel Macron has appealed for calm, restraint following the death of a 23-year-old activist who sustained fatal injuries during a violent attack, an incident that has triggered political tension across France.
The deceased, identified by authorities only as Quentin, died on Saturday after slipping into a coma. He had reportedly been beaten on Thursday outside a conference addressed by Rima Hassan, a far-left member of the European Parliament.
Reacting in a statement posted on X, Macron condemned the violence, called for those responsible to be brought to justice.
“It is essential that the perpetrators be prosecuted, brought to justice and convicted. Hatred that kills has no place among us. I call for calm, restraint and respect,” the president said.
Hassan had earlier demanded a thorough investigation into the incident. According to Le Monde, prosecutors have opened an investigation for aggravated manslaughter, although no arrests had been announced as of press time.
Reports indicated that the activist was present to support members of the anti-immigration feminist group Nemesis, which was protesting at the venue of the event.
The development has drawn sharp reactions from political figures. Bruno Retailleau, leader of the conservative Republicans party and a 2027 presidential aspirant, blamed the far left for the violence.
Similarly, far-right leader Marine Le Pen called for those behind the attack to face severe punishment.
On his part, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, head of the France Unbowed party, alleged that some of his party’s offices had come under attack following comments by political opponents, though he gave no further details.
Authorities are continuing investigations into the circumstances surrounding the attack as calls grow for calm amid rising political tensions in the country.
