Paris Nuit Blanche: Far-Right Militants Assault 10th Arrondissement Mayor, Six Arrests Made
Paris, June 7 – Alexandra Cordebard, the Socialist Mayor of the 10th arrondissement of Paris, reported being assaulted by “far-right militants” during an event at the Nuit Blanche festival on Saturday evening. The incident, which she described as “a manifestation of fundamentalism and intolerance,” led to the arrest of six individuals, including two for violence against elected officials. The mayor’s office has announced its intention to file a complaint.
Mayor Cordebard Details the Aggression
Speaking on franceinfo on Sunday, Mayor Cordebard recounted the events that transpired during the Nuit Blanche art installation at Saint-Laurent Church. “A group of extremists had decided to try to prevent the show that was supposed to take place in Saint-Laurent Church,” she stated. Cordebard described being subjected to “physical intimidation, then blows” from a group of “30 to 40 determined people.” She noted that the group consisted of “many young, very strong men, visibly there to provoke violence.”
Collaborator Also Attacked, Cyberharassment Context
The aggression extended to one of her collaborators, who was also struck “on the thigh and filed a complaint.” Cordebard characterized the group as “far-right… without any scruples.” She emphasized the “unanimous support from all colleagues on the Paris council, of all political affiliations,” and affirmed her resolve “not to let herself be intimidated.”
This incident occurs amid a broader context of cyberharassment targeting the event’s artistic director, DJ Barbara Butch, since her performance at the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
City Officials Condemn the Violence
Emmanuel Grégoire, the Socialist Deputy Mayor of Paris, reacted to the incident on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday morning, stating, “Paris will never give in to these reactionary movements and will always be on the side of culture, artistic creation, and festive life.”
Legal Action and Ongoing Investigation
The six individuals arrested are currently in police custody. The investigation is ongoing to determine the full extent of their involvement and the exact nature of the charges. The city of Paris and Mayor Cordebard are committed to pursuing legal action against those responsible for these acts of violence and intimidation.
This incident highlights growing concerns about public safety and the rise of extremist actions targeting cultural events and public officials in France.
Source: https://www.franceinfo.fr/faits-divers/agression-lors-de-nuit-blanche-a-paris-c-est-une-manifestation-d-integrisme-et-d-intolerance-reagit-alexandra-cordebard-maire-du-10e-arrondissement_8049416.html