Thousands of people marched through the streets of Paris in a single procession to honor the ultra-left activist Clément Méric who was killed ten years ago, as well as to show support for the Palestinian and Kanak people. The demonstration began at Place de la République behind a banner that read “For Clément, let’s continue the fight.” Clément Méric, an anti-fascist activist, tragically died in 2013 at the hands of ultra-right skinheads, and every year, anti-fascist groups honor his memory while denouncing the rise of the ultra-right.
This year, protesters were also joined by pro-Palestinian activists condemning Israeli bombings on Gaza and supporters of the New Caledonian separatists who have recently experienced violent riots. Signs at the protest displayed messages such as “Stop the genocide in Rafah” and “Free Palestine,” among others. The demonstration brought together various groups and individuals, all united in their desire to speak out against various forms of oppression.
Participants in the protest expressed their commitment to continuing the fight against far-right ideologies and standing in solidarity with oppressed communities. The demonstrations in Paris are part of a larger wave of protests taking place across France in support of Gaza, where Israel has been carrying out airstrikes since July 2014. People are demanding an end to violence and calling for justice for Palestinians living there.
In addition to Paris protests, several thousand pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered at Place Bellecour in Lyon to show their support for those suffering from Israeli aggression. Similar gatherings were planned in other cities like Toulouse and Lille as part of a national movement called “Fight Against Racism” (Lucha Contra el Racismo). These events serve as a reminder that people around the world are watching and standing in solidarity with those who are suffering from oppressive regimes like Israel’s occupation policies towards Palestine.
The protests also highlight how different social justice movements can come together despite their differences to fight against common enemies like racism, fascism, and colonialism. As such, these events demonstrate how important it is for marginalized communities to unite and work towards creating a more just society where everyone’s rights are respected and protected.
