Saint-Denis Mayor Bally Bagayoko faces legal scrutiny over protest comments

Bally Bagayoko, the Mayor of Saint-Denis, is facing legal and political scrutiny following his comments regarding student blockades at local high schools. The Paris Police Prefect, Patrice Faure, has referred the matter to the judiciary, alleging that Bagayoko’s statements—specifically suggesting that violence could be legitimate in certain contexts—constitute a provocation to commit an offense.

The tensions follow significant unrest at Lycée Paul-Éluard, where student protests resulted in property damage and clashes. Valérie Pécresse, President of the Île-de-France region, has announced plans to send a 100,000 euro bill to the mayor to cover repair costs for the school, accusing him of legitimizing the vandalism. Former minister Marlène Schiappa has publicly supported this move.

In addition to the legal referral, the mayor’s stance has drawn condemnation from government officials and media outlets. BFMTV filed a complaint after its team was reportedly assaulted during a demonstration, an incident Bagayoko was accused of approving. Meanwhile, Ritchy Thibault, a former parliamentary collaborator for the LFI party, was also arrested in Seine-Saint-Denis for calling for insurrection during the same period of unrest.