University of Lyon 2 Condemns Disruption of Professor's Lecture by Pro-Palestinian Activists
The university pledges action after activists accused Professor Fabrice Balanche of Islamophobia and forced him to leave his lecture on April 1, 2025.
- 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.
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