AFP: Diplomatic tensions erupt between US, France after killing of far-right activist

A diplomatic row has erupted between the United States and France following the killing of French far-right activist Quentin Deranc, AFP reports.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced that the US ambassador to Paris had been summoned over comments by American officials regarding the tragic incident.

“We reject any use of this tragedy for political purposes,” Barrot said. “We have nothing to learn, especially regarding violence, from international reactionary movements,” his statement read.

Deranc was killed during a fight with suspected left-wing radical activists, an incident that sparked mass protests and unrest across France.

The administration of former US President Donald Trump condemned the actions of the “violent radical left movement.” US Deputy Secretary of State Sarah Rogers wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “If you choose to kill people for their beliefs rather than convince them, you have rejected civilization.”

The killing of Deranc has also triggered a diplomatic dispute between France and Italy. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the murder as “a wound for all of Europe,” drawing criticism from French President Emmanuel Macron for interfering in France’s internal affairs.

By Khagan Isayev