Limoges fire suspect's childhood friend defends him as 'scapegoat'

A 34-year-old man suspected of involvement in the fire that destroyed Limoges city hall was arrested by the RAID tactical unit in Haute-Vienne on Tuesday, October 20. Authorities describe him as a "far-left activist already on the S-file" terror watchlist, though a childhood friend disputes this characterization. The arrest occurred in Val d'Issoire, about 40 kilometers from Limoges, shocking local residents. The suspect's childhood friend, Léon, described him as "calm, peaceful" and an environmental and human rights advocate, calling the profile "abstract" and suggesting he is being made a "scapegoat." The suspect was previously known for violence against police during an October 2024 protest in Guéret against a wood-pellet factory project. The Paris anti-terrorism prosecutor's office is monitoring the investigation but has not formally taken it over. Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin has cited "far-left agitators" as a national threat, while the mayor of Limoges has demanded exemplary penalties. Separately, 15 adults and five minors have faced charges related to looting in the city center since the fire.