Stories from Lyon · France

An investigation into pedocriminality involving 34 children is progressing in the French metropolitan areas of Lyon and Carcassonne. The report notes the case follows actions targeting the Ligue des Droits de l'Homme.

A 40-year-old father is under investigation for the sexual abuse of 34 children in the Rhône department. Authorities are still determining the full scale of the abuse. The victims are reported to be between 2 and 9 years old. The abuse reportedly occurred during pajama parties organized by the man for his children's friends. The investigation began in 2024 following complaints from parents, and the man has reportedly admitted to a large portion of the facts. Police reviewed 127 videos and 197 photos documenting sexual assaults and rapes committed against children in a northern Lyon town of 2,000 inhabitants. The perpetrator allegedly used mobile phones and a camera concealed in an alarm clock to record the crimes while victims were asleep or awake. Authorities are currently searching for other potential victims.

The Council of State validated the dissolution of La Jeune Garde, a militia linked to the France Insoumise political party. The court ruled the dissolution was a proportional measure regarding the group's use of violence in public spaces. The French government has since referred the matter to the judiciary to seek the reconstitution of the group's assets. An investigation by the Paris Prosecutor's Office is currently ongoing. This announcement comes as unions defend the May 1st public holiday. Approximately 320 demonstrations are planned across France today with over 100,000 participants expected. The Conseil d'État rejected an appeal by the far-left movement La Jeune Garde against its dissolution. The movement was established in 2018. The group was established in 2018 by deputy Raphael Arnaud. The government had previously accused the movement of provocation.

A high school in the Rhône region has decided to name a gym after Algerian boxer Iman Khelif. The decision was part of a project focused on gender equality, according to an email from the establishment made public by deputy Fanny Jean-Paul.

American group OneRepublic, led by Ryan Tedder, is currently on a world tour. The band is scheduled to perform in Lyon, France, on July 8. The group's upcoming album will feature the single 'Need Your Love'.

Rail traffic at La Garde station will be completely halted for three days during the May 1st weekend to facilitate modernization of two signaling posts. Approximately 40% of TGV high-speed trains are canceled.

Gabriel Attal, leader of the Renaissance party, is scheduled to hold a meeting in Lyon this evening. Attal aims to strengthen his position against other contenders such as Édouard Philippe and Jean-Luc Mélenchon. The Socialist Party is also seeing a surge in potential candidates. The event is part of his campaign tour across France as he seeks to gain momentum for a potential presidential bid. Attal is attempting to close the gap with rival Edouard Philippe in the pre-campaign period. The political landscape includes various contenders on the left competing alongside Jean-Luc Mélenchon, which is reportedly complicating the Socialist Party's position. Former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal met with local merchants in the Place Bellecourt area to discuss labor and economic themes.

The American investment fund Lone Star is set to retain only 72 employees out of nearly 550 at chemical company Arkema plants in Rhône and Drôme. The decision was validated yesterday evening by the Lyon Economic Affairs Court. The move follows the takeover of the company's chemical sector by the fund. The plants are part of the Polytechnique company.

The sites in Saint-Fonds and Valence south of Lyon will close permanently. Only 12 jobs will be retained out of 548 total positions. An American investment fund, OneStar, will acquire the brand, the research division, and patents. The decision was validated yesterday evening by the Lyon Economic Affairs Court. The closure is impacting employees at the sites south of Lyon. Workers at the Bellétoile site reported that three out of four production lines were still operational just days ago. Local unions expressed incomprehension regarding the decision, noting the company remains profitable.

An American investor has been selected to acquire the chemical company Polytechnil. The company operates factories in the Rhône and Drôme regions of France. The takeover is expected to result in job losses, with only 72 of the 550 employees expected to remain employed. The acquisition is currently awaiting final validation. Only 72 of the 550 employees are expected to continue working following the takeover. The resumption of operations is still subject to validation. The Lyon Economic Affairs Court has validated a takeover bid by American investment firm Lone Star for the chemical company Polytechnil. Lone Star intends to retain only 72 of the company's 547 employees. Under the plan, the Saint-Fonds site will continue operations while the Valence site will close. Labor unions have described the operation as a social tragedy.