A-Infos (en) France, UCL Statement: Stop the repressive machine-solidarity with Ritchy Thibault, the "December 8" defendants, and all imprisoned activists (ca, de, fr, it, pt, tr)[machine translation]

While the past week saw a surge of actions in solidarity with our 
anti-fascist comrade Gino-who faces extradition to Hungary-the week 
ahead perfectly illustrates the intensifying repression directed at 
activists and the social movement as a whole. Two significant legal 
events are taking place in quick succession: On Tuesday, September 8, 
the trial of Ritchy Thibault was held at the Paris Judicial Court. 
Thibault is a revolutionary, radical environmentalist, and anti-racist 
activist, as well as a member and spokesperson for PEPS (*Pour une 
Écologie Populaire et Sociale*-For a Popular and Social Ecology). He is 
being prosecuted by the public prosecutor for his public stances against 
state violence and the colonial issue, and for his revolutionary 
convictions. The hearing concluded with the expulsion of the entire 
public audience and the majority of the journalists present.

Two days later, on September 10, the Paris Court of Appeal will deliver 
its verdict in the appeal trial of the "December 8" defendants. These 
individuals have faced prosecution for six years in a politically 
charged case-orchestrated by intelligence services-that we have covered 
extensively in our publications.[1]

Although the two contexts differ, they both unfold within a climate of 
criminalizing words and acts of resistance and repressing activists. 
This serves to intimidate everyone who organizes, takes action, and 
challenges the capitalist, patriarchal, racist, and ecocidal order of 
our current society. The list of SLAPP suits (strategic lawsuits against 
public participation), imprisonments, abusive surveillance, 
obstructions, and bans is endless-not to mention the physical repression 
of protests, which has become the norm. Should we really be surprised 
that people face prosecution for anti-colonial statements in support of 
Palestine in a country where racist propaganda is broadcast daily on CNews?

Recent laws passed in the National Assembly by the right and 
far-right-such as the "License to Kill" and "RIPOST" laws-further 
accelerate this criminalization while increasingly guaranteeing impunity 
for law enforcement. Moreover, let us never forget that while activists 
face this, state violence is primarily and increasingly unleashed upon 
marginalized and stigmatized populations. These laws fulfill some of the 
far-right's long-standing wishes. Should they come to power, the 
pressure would inevitably mount-both on the most exposed members of our 
class and on activists across the board, whether revolutionary or not.

Finally, we remain mindful of the anti-fascist comrades facing 
prosecution following the death of Quentin Deranque. While the State and 
the justice system may wish to equate anti-fascism with criminality, we 
know that the term is simply synonymous with self-defense.

Supporting every individual on our side who faces prosecution-regardless 
of strategic or tactical differences-is essential. That is why, whenever 
possible, we express our solidarity and political support for Ritchy 
Thibaut and the "8/12" defendants in their resistance against the state 
judicial apparatus.

The UCL calls on all who are able to come and support our comrades: on 
Friday, September 10, at the Paris Court of Appeal (1:30 PM, either 
inside or outside) for the "8/12" defendants; and at the various trials 
targeting Ritchy Thibaut, particularly the one on December 10. And, 
whenever possible, to provide financial support for their struggle:
- for the "December 8" defendants;
- for Ritchy Thibaut.

Solidarity is our weapon!

Union communiste libertaire, September 9, 2026.

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[1]See in particular "The 'December 8' Trial: Terrorists, One and All?", 
"'Any Revolutionary Ideal Can Be Deemed Terrorist'," and "The December 8 
Case: The End of the Story?"

https://www.unioncommunistelibertaire.org/?Stoppons-la-machine-repressive-solidarite-avec-Ritchy-Thibault-les-inculpe-es
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