In Lyon, 300 people demonstrate against the arrival of Marguerite Stern at Issep

The Figaro Lyon

Nearly 300 feminist activists demonstrated on Thursday evening at Place François Mitterrand in Lyon against the presence of essayist Marguerite Stern, who came to present her book Transmania at Issep, a school founded by Marion Maréchal in the Confluence district. A large security presence had been deployed near the establishment to prevent any overflow. Nearly 80 national police officers and CRS, including two companies that were mobilized, were dispatched to the scene. No arrests were reported and the demonstration dispersed by itself around 8 p.m.

Marguerite Stern came to present her book Transmania at a conference entitled “How transgender ideology destroys lives.” The announcement of this event had provoked an outcry from associations and collectives, such as SOS Homophobie. Several tags “No Quarter for Fascists”, “Transphobes out of our lives” or even “Acab” were inscribed on the facade of Issep at the beginning of the week.

A fire broke out next to the establishment

The Rhône prefecture quickly issued a ban on demonstrations so that the conference could take place. “The search for clashes between far-right and far-left groups is extremely prevalent in the Rhône and could have been the starting point for violent events against a backdrop of conferences, current affairs and ideological combat leading to brawls and provocations.”indicated the State services in this decree.

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Early Thursday morning, a fire broke out in a room located right next to the school. 25 firefighters were mobilized for this disaster, the damage of which was only material. Although no direct link has been established with Marguerite Stern’s visit at this time, the timing of this fire is considered “disturbing” indicates a security source to Figaro. However “At this stage it is impossible to say whether it is related or not”the latter continues. The restoration work forced Enedis to cut off the power to the building, depriving Issep and residents of electricity during the work.