While the past week saw a surge of actions in solidarity with our anti-fascist comrade Gino-who faces extradition to Hungary-the week ahead perfectly illustrates the intensifying repression directed at activists and the social movement as a whole. Two significant legal events are taking place in quick succession: On Tuesday, September 8, the trial of Ritchy Thibault was held at the Paris Judicial Court. Thibault is a revolutionary, radical environmentalist, and anti-racist activist, as well as a member and spokesperson for PEPS (*Pour une Écologie Populaire et Sociale*-For a Popular and Social Ecology). He is being prosecuted by the public prosecutor for his public stances against state violence and the colonial issue, and for his revolutionary convictions. The hearing concluded with the expulsion of the entire public audience and the majority of the journalists present.
Two days later, on September 10, the Paris Court of Appeal will deliver its verdict in the appeal trial of the "December 8" defendants. These individuals have faced prosecution for six years in a politically charged case-orchestrated by intelligence services-that we have covered extensively in our publications.[1]
Although the two contexts differ, they both unfold within a climate of criminalizing words and acts of resistance and repressing activists. This serves to intimidate everyone who organizes, takes action, and challenges the capitalist, patriarchal, racist, and ecocidal order of our current society. The list of SLAPP suits (strategic lawsuits against public participation), imprisonments, abusive surveillance, obstructions, and bans is endless-not to mention the physical repression of protests, which has become the norm. Should we really be surprised that people face prosecution for anti-colonial statements in support of Palestine in a country where racist propaganda is broadcast daily on CNews?
Recent laws passed in the National Assembly by the right and far-right-such as the "License to Kill" and "RIPOST" laws-further accelerate this criminalization while increasingly guaranteeing impunity for law enforcement. Moreover, let us never forget that while activists face this, state violence is primarily and increasingly unleashed upon marginalized and stigmatized populations. These laws fulfill some of the far-right's long-standing wishes. Should they come to power, the pressure would inevitably mount-both on the most exposed members of our class and on activists across the board, whether revolutionary or not.
Finally, we remain mindful of the anti-fascist comrades facing prosecution following the death of Quentin Deranque. While the State and the justice system may wish to equate anti-fascism with criminality, we know that the term is simply synonymous with self-defense.
Supporting every individual on our side who faces prosecution-regardless of strategic or tactical differences-is essential. That is why, whenever possible, we express our solidarity and political support for Ritchy Thibaut and the "8/12" defendants in their resistance against the state judicial apparatus.
The UCL calls on all who are able to come and support our comrades: on Friday, September 10, at the Paris Court of Appeal (1:30 PM, either inside or outside) for the "8/12" defendants; and at the various trials targeting Ritchy Thibaut, particularly the one on December 10. And, whenever possible, to provide financial support for their struggle:
- for the "December 8" defendants;
- for Ritchy Thibaut.
Solidarity is our weapon!
Union communiste libertaire, September 9, 2026.
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[1]See in particular "The 'December 8' Trial: Terrorists, One and All?", "'Any Revolutionary Ideal Can Be Deemed Terrorist'," and "The December 8 Case: The End of the Story?"
https://www.unioncommunistelibertaire.org/?Stoppons-la-machine-repressive-solidarite-avec-Ritchy-Thibault-les-inculpe-es
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Source: A-infos-en@ainfos.ca
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