Rising Concerns Over Alleged Far-Right Attacks in Amiens, France
A wave of reported assaults and provocations in Amiens, France, notably following incidents near local bars, is fueling anxiety and prompting calls for increased vigilance, though authorities have yet to confirm the details of many claims.
For several weeks, reports have circulated on social media detailing attacks and intimidation. A recent incident on the night of january 15, involving a young man who says he was assaulted, has intensified these concerns.However, it’s crucial to note that these allegations remain unverified by the courts.
According to a young man named Thomas*, the evening of January 15 began like any othre, with friends gathered on a terrace on rue Edmond fontaine. The situation escalated when a man approached their table, seemingly fixated on the red shoelaces worn by one of Thomas’s companions – a purposeful symbol of communist affiliation. The man reportedly engaged the pair in conversation before presenting them with a sticker bearing the message: “the extreme
he and his freind were then attacked by multiple individuals. “I took three hits in a few seconds… I couldn’t hear anything in one ear anymore,” he said, adding that he suffered minor injuries.
Thomas expressed fear that the video taken during the altercation would be circulated on far-right social media networks. He also voiced concern that the attackers target vulnerable individuals. “They target the weakest people in general… I weigh 50 kg,I’m not scary. that’s why I took everything,” he stated. He further suggested that similar attacks have occurred, with some targeting individuals perceived to be gay.
These reports are gaining traction on social media. on January 17, @Abyce, a drag performer active in the Somme region, issued a warning to their nearly 4,000 followers, stating that “3 fascist and extremely risky individuals have been roaming our streets in order to, I quote: ‘break the PD.'” @Abyce shared a video purportedly from the evening of the attack, appearing to show a man performing a Nazi salute on rue Edmond Fontaine. The performer urged followers to exercise caution: “do not go home alone… Do not respond to provocation and do not hesitate to ask for help.” Other users have shared posts identifying alleged perpetrators in different areas of Amiens.
At this stage, authorities have not confirmed the reported incidents, and no arrests have been made. However, concerns are mounting, with some suggesting a link to the Tribune Nord, a collective of Amiens SC supporters who have been inactive since August due to disputes with club management. when contacted, the Tribune Nord stated that its association comprises “several hundred members, from all political horizons and all origins,” and that it “strongly condemns all forms of discrimination.” The group emphasized that actions taken by individual members outside of the association’s framework are not its obligation.
Further testimonies are emerging. One user reported that three friends were beaten on the evening of their birthday in October, with the attackers allegedly filming the assault. Another individual claimed that a person of color was targeted and assaulted while intoxicated, with the attackers shouting “patriotic songs.”
These accounts are corroborated by Le Délirium, a local bar that has banned several individuals identified as being involved in previous incidents. A representative from the bar stated that the individuals had been identified by security personnel months ago following a political altercation and for repeatedly displaying inappropriate stickers, including “fascist stuff,” throughout the establishment.
A petition is reportedly being drafted to address the situation with local authorities. Thomas is considering filing a formal complaint, but fears potential repercussions. “When there are procedures, the names and addresses of the people who file complaints are known. And Amiens is a small town,” he said, echoing the concerns of another victim, Victor*, who reported a similar attack last October.
As of today, the Amiens Prosecutor’s office has not confirmed whether any complaints have been filed regarding these incidents. The presumption of innocence remains in effect as the reported facts have not yet been established by the courts.
*First names have been changed to protect the anonymity of the individuals involved.
