Far-left activist arrested over arson attack that destroyed town hall during French riots is prosecuted for ‘attempting to murder a policeman’
A 34-year-old man accused of setting fire to Limoges City Hall during riots is now being prosecuted on suspicion of attempting to murder a police officer. The historic, listed building was badly damaged, with its roof and belfry collapsing, and investigators say their review of evidence and police interviews has led to his detention being extended.
The suspect, Hodei Ciarra Docampo, was arrested by France’s RAID unit and is also accused of arson, an allegation for which he has not been convicted. Prosecutors say he is linked to the far-left group Les Soulèvements de la Terre and that a second, 66-year-old man has also been arrested over the fire; they believe the building may have been targeted by extremists. The blaze occurred during protests against the cost of living and rising fuel prices.
In short
- Limoges City Hall was badly damaged in a fire during riots.
- A 34-year-old suspect faces a new attempted murder prosecution.
- A second man has also been arrested over the blaze.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Prosecutors can argue that the scale of the fire, the destruction of a historic public building and evidence they say links the suspect to the scene justify serious charges and continued investigation. If evidence indicates that he tried to kill a police officer, treating that allegation with full seriousness would protect public safety and uphold the rule of law.
The case against
The suspect has not been convicted, and arrest or alleged links to a protest group do not establish that he set the fire or tried to kill an officer. The case for restraint is that serious charges and extended detention should rest on clear, tested evidence, while authorities distinguish individual responsibility from the wider protests and avoid prejudging the outcome.