Margny-lès-Compiègne memorial march leads to clashes with police

A memorial march in Margny-lès-Compiègne, Oise, turned into a confrontation with law enforcement on Sunday. The event was held to honor a man who died in late August following a police pursuit and a refusal to comply with municipal police orders.

During the tribute, tensions escalated after relatives of the deceased claimed he was targeted due to his membership in the traveler community, describing the municipal officers as ‘cowboys’. The resulting clashes led to two arrests. Protesters marched toward the cemetery chanting ‘Justice for Lapin’ and ‘shame on the police’.

In response to the unrest, Mayor Bernard Hellal announced on Facebook that the town's scheduled flea market would be postponed by one week to allow the tribute to proceed in a more peaceful atmosphere. He also expressed respectful thoughts to the victim's family.