Greta Thunberg Urged Mobilization Before French Protests Turned Violent

Climate activist Greta Thunberg encouraged mobilization for protests in Paris, days before demonstrations that began over educational grievances escalated into violent clashes involving rioters, law enforcement, and local businesses. Thunberg shared a video on Instagram urging her followers to attend the protests, stating, "French students are out continuously facing extreme police brutality just for asking for their basic rights. And now it’s time for us to step up because they cannot carry this alone."

Thunberg also said, "They are showing the world, leading by example, what it looks like when young people are stepping up when the system at large is neglecting them systematically." She added, "We are asking all of you to contribute with what you can, support them out on the streets, donate and come to the mobilization on Oct. 17."

The activist's message gained attention for her use of the phrase "bismillah, c’est les ténèbres," which translates to "In the name of God, it’s darkness," a slogan adopted by some protesters in France. While primarily known for her climate advocacy, Thunberg has also spoken out on the conflict between Israel and Gaza. Last year, she was detained by Israeli authorities while attempting to reach Gaza as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, advocating for a humanitarian corridor.

In a separate post, Thunberg collaborated with the Palestinian Youth Movement, describing "the genocidal Israeli army" as "the killers of children." This alignment has drawn attention to what watchdogs term the "red-green-green alliance," an ideological overlap between communist movements, Islamist activism, and environmental protest groups. This convergence has been observed in protests where climate justice and Palestinian solidarity are linked, such as a demonstration outside Citibank headquarters in New York City with the banner "Climate Justice Means Free Palestine."

A Fox News Digital investigation identified 54 organizations and movements involved in the French protests, comprising communist parties, revolutionary socialist groups, labor unions, environmental activists, Muslim student advocates, and Palestinian-solidarity organizations. Of these, 16 were student or youth organizations, including communist youth groups and a Muslim student association. The remaining 38 included adult-led communist groups, labor unions, political parties, and revolutionary-left organizations.

These groups are part of what is described as "Chaos Inc.," a network that includes organizations linked to Neville Roy Singham. This network, encompassing groups like Tricontinental, CodePink, and BreakThrough News, has promoted coverage of the events in France. Singham, an American living in Shanghai, has reportedly funneled significant funds into nonprofits that organize anti-ICE, anti-Israel, and pro-Iran demonstrations.

Fridays For Future, Thunberg's primary activist platform, was not identified as an organizer of the French protests, despite her call to mobilize. Thunberg, who gained international prominence in 2019 with her speech at the UN Climate Action Summit, has a history of using environmentally conscious travel, such as arriving at the UN summit via a solar-powered yacht.