Riot Police Descend on Lyon After University Occupation
Lyon, February 13 – Dozens of riot police (CRS) were deployed on Thursday evening, February 12, to the vicinity of the McDonald’s on Cours Albert-Thomas, in the Sans Souci district of Lyon’s 8th arrondissement. Their presence was a precursor to an intervention at Jean-Moulin University Lyon 3, where far-left militants had occupied the premises, disrupting a conference.
Militants Disrupt Conference at Jean-Moulin University 3
The incident unfolded around 6:00 PM when militants, reportedly from far-left groups, entered the university’s Manufacture des tabacs building. They disrupted a conference titled “The Denial of War,” unfurling a banner that read “against militarization.” Videos shared on social media platform X showed individuals with masked faces involved in the disruption.
The significant deployment of CRS officers near the McDonald’s drew considerable attention from students and passersby, who observed the scene with evident surprise. The police presence was a clear indication of an impending intervention to address the university occupation.
Evacuation of Militants Confirmed
According to initial reports, all militants who had occupied the university premises were successfully evacuated by the riot police. Further details regarding the number of individuals involved, potential arrests, or any damage to university property have not yet been released by authorities.
Increased Security Measures in Response to Protests
This incident highlights a growing concern over the disruption of public and academic spaces by protest groups. The rapid deployment of such a large contingent of riot police suggests a heightened level of readiness from authorities to manage and contain such situations, particularly in sensitive locations like universities.
The university administration has not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident, its impact on academic activities, or any future measures to prevent similar occurrences. Local residents and the student body are awaiting further information from both the university and law enforcement regarding the events of Thursday evening.
The deployment of riot police in such a public and visible manner underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating disruptions to public order and the functioning of educational institutions. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing tensions and diverse political expressions within the city of Lyon.
Source: actu.fr
