Tensions flare between Macron and Meloni over killing of French far-right activist

FILE PHOTO: A french flag with a 'Justice for Quentin' message is displayed as people gather to pay tribute to Quentin, an activist who died from injuries sustained during a beating on February 12 in Lyon, during a demonstration at the Place de la Sorbonne in Paris, France, February 15, 2026. REUTERS/Stephane Mahe/File Photo

PARIS, Feb 19 (Reuters) - ⁠A war of words erupted between French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime ⁠Minister Giorgia Meloni on Thursday over the killing of a French far-right activist who ‌was beaten by hard-left activists over the weekend during protests in Lyon.

Seven people, including an assistant to a member of parliament from the far-left France Unbowed (LFI), will face murder charges in the case, a prosecutor said on Thursday. ​They were among 11 arrested earlier in the week.