Ex-Leader of Neo-Nazi Group Sentenced for Violent Attack on Anti-Racism Activists

Marc de Cacqueray-Valmenier received a partially suspended 18-month sentence for orchestrating violence against SOS Racisme members during a 2021 far-right political rally.

Marc de Cacqueray-Valmenier, former leader of the far-right group Zouaves Paris, was sentenced to 18 months in prison, with 9 months suspended, for his role in a violent attack on SOS Racisme activists in December 2021.
The attack occurred during a political rally for far-right presidential candidate Éric Zemmour at Villepinte, where activists displaying anti-racism messages were physically assaulted by members of Zouaves Paris.
The court cited surveillance footage and victim testimony as key evidence, identifying de Cacqueray-Valmenier among the attackers despite his denial of involvement in the violence.
The Zouaves Paris group, known for neo-Nazi ideology and repeated violent actions, was dissolved by the French government in January 2022 following the Villepinte incident.
Victims and anti-racism advocates expressed concerns about the limited scope of the investigation, which failed to prosecute many other identifiable perpetrators from the attack.