Macron begs France to reject political violence after killing of far-right activist – POLITICO

The nationalist’s death has sparked a domestic political backlash against France Unbowed, which has links with some of the groups suspected of being involved in the violence.

Lyon’s chief prosecutor said later Thursday that seven people, including a parliamentary assistant for a France Unbowed lawmaker, were being placed under formal investigation for voluntary homicide. Three of the suspects told they were or had been affiliated with “ultra-left” groups. Some acknowledged that they took part in a fight but all denied that their intent was to kill Deranque, the prosecutor said.

Taking aim at ultra-left extremist groups, such as the Young Guard, Macron reiterated that “there is no place in the Republic for people who adopt and legitimize violence.”

“When people explain that they have set up militias due to self-protection,” said Macron, “they are committing a moral offense; everybody has to put their houses in order.”

France Unbowed’s parliamentary leader, Mathilde Panot, denied Tuesday that the party’s members were linked to Deranque’s death, even though two parliamentary aides have been arrested in an ongoing investigation.

While Macron spoke mostly about the risk of violence from far-left groups, he called on the far right to remove violent factions from their midst as well.