Far-Left Activist Arrested in Arson Attack on Historic French Town Hall
Authorities investigate the suspected arson of a 19th-century building in Limoges amid nationwide protests.
A far-left activist with a history of violence has been arrested in connection with the arson attack that destroyed a historic town hall in Limoges, France. Anti-terror police are investigating the incident, which occurred on Saturday amid nationwide protests against the rising cost of living and conditions in schools.
The arrested man, identified locally as 34-year-old Hodei CD, was apprehended by the specialized RAID police unit. Authorities had previously flagged him as a potential threat due to his links to ultra-left movements, according to a police source. He is suspected of forcing entry into the 1883-built town hall and setting it ablaze.
Hodei CD has a documented history of violence linked to the radical French protest group Les Soulèvements de la Terre (Earth Uprisings). He was reportedly tried last year for assaulting an officer during a protest and is the son of a Basque activist who was previously convicted for arson.
The destruction of the town hall, a listed building whose roof and belfry collapsed, has become a symbol of the violent riots that erupted during Saturday's demonstrations. The building's facade remains standing but is at risk of collapse, with its interior and roof ruined.
French Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin indicated that anti-terror prosecutors would determine if the incident constitutes a terror attack orchestrated by the ultra-left. The mayor of Limoges, Guillaume Guerin, criticized the police response, stating they lacked resources and "backed down" in the face of rioters, and called for government funding to rebuild the town hall. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu is scheduled to visit Limoges.
Approximately 5,000 people, including hundreds described as "radicalized and extremely violent," participated in the Limoges demonstration on Saturday. In response to the widespread violence, Darmanin vowed a "extremely firm" judicial response, noting that individuals with no prior criminal records were being imprisoned through expedited hearings.
The events in Limoges have drawn parallels to the 2019 Notre-Dame Cathedral fire in Paris, although investigators believe that incident was accidental. The unrest has also seen other town halls targeted, including one in Lille which was briefly ransacked. In Limoges, 10 individuals were arrested for looting and immediately imprisoned, according to the Justice Minister.