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[INTERNATIONAL] · France · 38 sources

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Limoges City Hall arson suspect arrested amid French unrest

French authorities have arrested a 40-year-old man suspected of involvement in the devastating arson attack on the Limoges City Hall. The arrest took place in Val d’Issoire, involving the specialized RAID intervention unit. The suspect is described as an ultra-left activist who was already on the national security watchlist (Fiche S) for potential threats to state security and previous acts of violence against officials.

The fire, which occurred during nationwide protests against the high cost of living, caused significant damage to the 19th-century historic landmark, including the collapse of its 43-meter bell tower and roof. The Sub-direction of Counter-Terrorism (SDAT) has joined the investigation to determine if the attack was an organized act for political or ideological reasons.

In response to widespread unrest, the French government is preparing for further demonstrations. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced plans to deploy military personnel from Operation Sentinelle to guard sensitive sites, allowing more police and gendarmes to focus on maintaining public order. The Mayor of Limoges, Guillaume Guérin, has called for state funding to reconstruct the cultural heritage site.

Entities

Anti-Terrorism Sub-directorate · France · Guillaume Guérin · Gérald Darmanin · Laurent Nunez · Limoges City Hall · RAID · Sous-direction antiterroriste · Sébastien Lecornu

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