Overview

• Pro-Palestinian activists disrupted Professor Fabrice Balanche's lecture at the University of Lyon 2, accusing him of being 'pro-Israeli,' 'Zionist,' and 'Islamophobic.'
• The protest was reportedly in response to Balanche's public opposition to an iftar event on campus, which had been prohibited by university authorities.
• The university administration condemned the disruption, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining a peaceful academic environment and preventing future incidents.
• Professor Balanche confirmed there was no physical violence during the incident and stated he would not file a personal complaint, calling instead for institutional action.
• The incident has reignited debates in France over secularism, religious activism, and academic freedom in universities.