In Montpellier, a series of actions carried out by the far-right group Jeunes d’Oc targeted symbols of the LGBT community, notably rainbow flags painted in various locations throughout the city. The mayor of Montpellier, Michaël Delafosse, announced a complaint for damage to public property in response to this action, which he deemed intolerant. A series of targeted actions The Jeunes d’Oc group conducted a well-orchestrated nighttime operation, marked by a swift claim of responsibility on social media. This small group, known for its provocative actions, recently made headlines with a campaign targeting road signs. This time, these activists are targeting rainbow flags, symbols of diversity and inclusion, painted in several streets of Montpellier.
LGBT community symbols targeted
The actions took place over the weekend, affecting various strategic locations in the city. A video posted on Instagram shows activists covering the colors of the rainbow flag in black on Rue Subleyras in the Arceaux district. Furthermore, an excerpt posted on the X account of the far-right radio station, Radio Courtoisie, shows the defacement of the imposing rainbow flag located in front of the Sud de France train station, now marked with the provocative inscription “Stop Woke.” The City of Montpellier’s swift reaction Faced with this attack on symbols of tolerance and inclusivity, Michaël Delafosse, the mayor of Montpellier, reacted immediately. On the morning of Monday, November 24, he announced the filing of a complaint for “damage to public property” against Jeunes d’Oc. In his statement, he emphasized that the intolerance and “hatred of others” perpetrated by this group called for “total firmness.” A determination to take a firm stance against intolerance
The mayor is calling for a firm and resolute response from the city and relevant authorities to this act of ideologically motivated vandalism. Delafosse emphasizes the need to defend the values of respect and diversity that must prevail in Montpellier. This approach aims to demonstrate that the city will not tolerate any act of hatred under the guise of extremist ideologies.