French government spokeswoman attacked while campaigning: Prisca Thevenot calls for end to far-right extremism

French government spokeswoman Prisca Thevenot, who is of Mauritian origin, was attacked while putting up election campaign posters in Paris. This incident took place as she and her team were hanging posters in the Hauts-de-Seine electoral district, west of Paris. The group was surrounded and attacked by about 20 people, resulting in one member of the group suffering a dislocated jaw.

The Prime Minister condemned the incident and called for the rejection of violence in the country. The suspects, including three minors, were arrested on charges of attacking public officials with a weapon. Ms. Thevenot has spoken out about the rise of far-right extremism that has made her and her family targets of racist comments. The motive of the suspects in the attack has not been announced by French authorities.

This incident has sparked outrage and calls for action to address the climate of violence and hostility in the country. French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal announced on July 4 that Ms. Thevenot, government spokeswoman and undersecretary for democratic renewal, and members of the election campaign team were attacked by four people in the Meudon area of Paris while they were putting up posters.