Arson attacks in Grenoble
{{Short description|Series of crimes in Grenoble, France}}
{{Infobox civilian attack
|alt=
|caption=
|date= March 2017-present
|fatalities=
|image=
|location= {{flagicon|France}} Grenoble metropolitan area and its surroundings, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
|perp=
|timezone=
|type= Arson attacks
|victim=
|weapons= Improvised devices, molotov cocktails
}}
The wave of arson attacks in Grenoble is a series of arson attacks in France that have occurred since March 2017, in the Grenoble metropolitan area, the most publicized of which were those of the warehouse of the Isère Gendarmerie group and the France Bleu Isère radio station.{{cite web|url=https://anstrat.org/france-incidents-2017/|title=Militant Incidents in France (2017)|work=Anstrat|accessdate=2024-08-10}} All of these fires were meticulously prepared; some were not claimed, but most were by an anarchist movement. The perpetrators remain unknown to this day, only known are the statements on the internet.{{cite web|url=https://www.parismatch.com/Actu/Societe/Mysterieuse-vague-d-incendies-criminels-dans-la-region-grenobloise-1669082|title=Mystérieuse vague d'incendies criminels dans la région grenobloise|work=Paris Match|date=14 January 2020 |access-date=2024-08-06}}{{cite web|url=https://www.20minutes.fr/societe/2155311-20171021-ultra-gauche-groupuscules-redoutes-forces-ordre|title=Ultra gauche: Qui sont ces groupuscules redoutés par les forces de l'ordre?|work=20 Minutes|date=21 October 2017 |access-date=2024-08-06}}
Attacks
=2017=
As presedent, on January 6, set fire to a nativity scene and the Virgin Mary statue at the Saint Charles Cathedral in Saint-Etienne, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, leaving important material damage.{{cite web|url=https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/752901/Nativity-scene-burned-down-in-arson-attack|title='Act of hate': Nativity scene BURNS DOWN after being set alight in 'arson attack'|work=Express UK|date=11 January 2017 |access-date=2024-08-06}}{{cite web|url=https://www.start.umd.edu/gtd/search/IncidentSummary.aspx?gtdid=201701060032|title=GTD ID:201701060032|work=Global Terrorism Database|access-date=2024-08-06}}
On March 21, 2017, the headquarters of the Les Républicains party in Grenoble was vandalized.{{cite web|url=https://www.ledauphine.com/isere-sud/2017/03/21/grenoble-la-permanence-les-republicains-vandalisee-dans-la-nuit|title=Grenoble:la permanence "Les Républicains" vandalisée dans la nuit|work=Le Dauphine|date=21 March 2017 |access-date=2024-08-06}} After the fact, this attack, claimed by the local anarchists movement,{{cite web|url=http://www.leparisien.fr/faits-divers/un-concentre-d-actions-violentes-de-l-ultragauche-a-grenoble-18-10-2017-7339065.php|title=Un concentré d'actions violentes de l'ultragauche à Grenoble|work=Le Parisien.fr|date=18 October 2017 |access-date=2024-08-06}} is considered by the Public Prosecutor of Grenoble{{cite news|url=https://www.lemonde.fr/societe/article/2019/01/30/derriere-l-incendie-des-locaux-de-france-bleu-isere-l-ombre-des-groupes-anarchistes-locaux_5416915_3224.html|title=Derrière l'incendie des locaux de France Bleu Isère, l'ombre des groupes anarchistes locaux|work=Le Monde.fr|date=30 January 2019 |access-date=2024-08-06}} and Le Dauphiné libéré,{{cite web|url=https://www.ledauphine.com/isere-sud/2019/01/30/carte-interactive-l-incendie-de-france-bleu-isere-derniere-action-en-date-de-la-mouvance-libertaire|title=Carte interactive: L'incendie de France Bleu Isère, dernière action en date de la mouvance libertaire?|work=Le Dauphine.com|date=30 January 2019 |access-date=2024-08-06}} as the first in a series of criminal acts mainly consisting of arson. The massive arson attacks that took place in previous years, which were not claimed, were therefore not included in this wave by the Public Prosecutor.{{cite web|url=https://france3-regions.francetvinfo.fr/auvergne-rhone-alpes/incendie-criminel-ravage-centre-commercial-echirolles-isere-546788.html|title=Un incendie criminel ravage un centre commercial à Echirolles en Isère|work=France3-regions|date=9 September 2014 |access-date=2024-08-06}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ledauphine.com/isere-sud/2015/04/19/consternation-apres-l-incendie-volontaire-du-theatre-premol|title=Grenoble:consternation après l'incendie volontaire du théâtre Prémol|work=Le Dauphine.com|date=19 April 2015 |access-date=2024-08-06}}
In March 23, targeted seven vehicles of the communal social action center, accused of "co-managing poverty".{{cite web|url=https://www.start.umd.edu/gtd/search/IncidentSummary.aspx?gtdid=201703230032|title=GTD ID:201703230032|work=Global Terrorism Database|access-date=2024-08-06}} Five days later, seven other vehicles belonging to Grenoble-Alpes Métropole were burned in the name of "the fight against human resource storage and exploitation sites".{{cite web|url=https://www.start.umd.edu/gtd/search/IncidentSummary.aspx?gtdid=201703280042|title=GTD ID:201703280042|work=Global Terrorism Database|access-date=2024-08-06}} On the night of April 11, 185 ticket distributors and validators of the tramway network were put out of service and inscriptions such as "Never validate" were written on the windows of the targeted stations. The three actions were claimed each time by the group "Wild Individualities".{{cite web|url=https://www.start.umd.edu/gtd/search/IncidentSummary.aspx?gtdid=201705300052|title=GTD ID:201705300052|work=Global Terrorism Database|access-date=2024-08-06}}
Then eleven Enedis vans, parked in a car park on Rue du Vercors, were set on fire on May 30, causing 300.000 et 400.000 euros of damages. The act was claimed in the following hours by an anti-capitalist and libertarian cell called "Individualités sauvages" (Wild Individualities).{{cite web|url=https://www.ledauphine.com/isere-sud/2017/05/30/enedis-l-incendie-revendique-par-des-militants-anticapitalistes-Grenoble|title=Enedis: l'incendie revendiqué par des militants anticapitalistes|work=Le Dauphine|date=30 May 2017 |access-date=2024-08-06}}{{cite web|url=https://www.leparisien.fr/isere-38/grenoble-des-anti-capitalistes-revendiquent-les-nombreux-incendies-et-degradations-en-ville-31-05-2017-7003056.php|title=Grenoble: des anti-capitalistes revendiquent les nombreux incendies et dégradations en ville|work=Le Parisien|date=31 May 2017 |access-date=2024-08-06}} On June 8, an Enedis electricity distributor in Crest, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, was set fire leaving important material damage and affected nearly a 165,000 users, being claimed by Wild Individualities.{{cite web|url=https://www.20minutes.fr/lyon/2106515-20170719-sabotages-revendiques-libertaires-multiplient-auvergne-rhone-alpes|title=Les sabotages revendiqués par des libertaires se multiplient en Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes|work=20 Minutes|date=19 July 2017 |access-date=2024-08-06}}{{cite web|url=https://www.sudouest.fr/economie/social/une-mouvance-anarchiste-multiplie-les-actes-de-vandalisme-en-rhone-alpes-3354308.php|title=Une mouvance anarchiste multiplie les actes de vandalisme en Rhône-Alpes|work=Sudouest|date=21 July 2017 |access-date=2024-08-06}} A week later a TDF telecommunications pylon was burned in Piégros-la-Clastre,. There were no reported casualties in the attack. Wild Individualities and Children and Matches (Des enfants et des allumettes) separately claimed responsibility for the attack. On July 18, a TDF base station in Saint-Laurent-sous-Coiron were attacked by members of Wild Individualities.{{cite web|url=https://www.start.umd.edu/gtd/search/IncidentSummary.aspx?gtdid=201707180001|title=GTD ID:201707180001|work=Global Terrorism Database|access-date=2024-08-06}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ledauphine.com/ardeche/2017/07/19/ardeche-aubenas-privas-antenne-relais-incendie-coupure-reseaux-escrinet-panne|title=Antenne relais dégradée: l'attaque revendiquée|work=Le Dauphine|date=19 July 2017 |access-date=2024-08-06}}
During the summer, premises belonging to Enedis and TDF antennas were targeted in the neighboring departments of Drôme and Ardèche, being claimed for the cell "Conspiracy of Complicit and Chaotic Individuals" (Konspiration d’Individualités Complices et Kaotiques).{{cite web|url=https://anstrat.org/france-entity-kick/|title=Conspiracy of Complicit and Chaotic Individuals (Anarchist Entity, France)work=Astrat|accessdate=2024-08-10}}
On September 19, five gendarmerie vehicles were burned in Limoges, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, leaving important material damage.{{cite web|url=https://www.start.umd.edu/gtd/search/IncidentSummary.aspx?gtdid=201709190030|title=GTD ID:201709190030|work=Global Terrorism Database|access-date=2024-08-06}}
Another fire broke out two days later, destroying around thirty vehicles in a warehouse of more than 1500 m2 (16145.87 square feets) at a gendarmerie barracks car park in Vigny-Musset in Grenoble, leaving one officer intoxicaded by smoking when approach to the area.{{cite web|url=http://www.liberation.fr/france/2017/09/21/l-incendie-volontaire-de-la-gendarmerie-de-grenoble-revendique_1597986|title=L'incendie volontaire de la gendarmerie de Grenoble revendiqué|work=Liberation.fr|access-date=2024-08-06}}{{cite news|url=https://www.lemonde.fr/police-justice/article/2017/09/21/incendie-a-la-gendarmerie-de-grenoble-l-origine-criminelle-est-confirmee_5188928_1653578.html|title=Incendie à la gendarmerie de Grenoble:l'origine criminelle est confirmée|work=Le Monde|date=21 September 2017 |access-date=2024-08-06}} The Nocturnals and the "Révolte anarchiste contre les gendarmes en exil" (Anarchist Revolt Against Exiled Gendarmes) separately claimed responsibility both attacks and stated that the attack was carried out in support of those currently at trial.{{cite web|url=https://www.20minutes.fr/high-tech/2137779-20170922-incendie-gendarmerie-grenoble-indymedia-agence-presse-extreme-gauche|title=Incendie de la gendarmerie de Grenoble: Qu'est-ce qu'Indymedia, "l'agence de presse de l'extrême gauche"?|work=20 Minutes|date=22 September 2017 |access-date=2024-08-06}}
The facts were immediately claimed on an anarcho-libertarian site, already used for similar acts perpetrated in Limoges a few days earlier.{{cite web|url=https://www.europe1.fr/faits-divers/lincendie-a-la-gendarmerie-de-grenoble-revendique-sur-un-site-anarco-libertaire-3442481|title=L'incendie à la gendarmerie de Grenoble revendiqué sur un site anarcho-libertaire|work=Europe1.fr|date=21 September 2017 |access-date=2024-08-06}} A month later, the Meylan gendarmerie, in the suburbs of Grenoble, was the scene of an arson attack in which four cars and a motorcycle were set on fire at the foot of the residential accommodation of this gendarmerie,{{cite web|url=https://www.lexpress.fr/actualite/societe/fait-divers/incendie-gendarmerie-de-meylan-en-isere-des-vehicules-mis-a-feu_1959121.html|title=L'incendie volontaire de véhicules de la gendarmerie de Meylan en Isère|work=Express.fr|date=9 November 2017 |access-date=2024-08-06}}{{cite web|url=https://www.20minutes.fr/faits_divers/2158323-20171026-isere-incendie-volontaire-caserne-gendarmerie-pres-grenoble|title=Isère: Incendie volontaire dans une caserne de gendarmerie près de Grenoble|work=20minutes.fr|date=26 October 2017 |access-date=2024-08-06}} forcing the 24 occupants to urgently evacuate.{{cite web|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.fr/entry/apres-grenoble-nouvel-incendie-criminel-dans-une-gendarmerie-en-isere_fr_5c931cb3e4b06857fcbe178d|title=Incendie criminel à la gendarmerie de Meylan, en Isère|work=Huffington Post|access-date=2024-08-06}} Investigators are focusing far-left attackers lead in this fire,{{cite web|url=https://www.lefigaro.fr/actualite-france/2017/11/08/01016-20171108ARTFIG00161-huit-personnes-interpellees-apres-l-incendie-de-la-gendarmerie-de-meylan.php|title=Incendie de gendarmerie à Meylan: les enquêteurs sur la piste anarcho-libertaire|work=Le Figaro.fr|date=8 November 2017 |access-date=2024-08-06}} but the attack were claimed by a feminist cell, carrying the attack to "fight sexism" and "gender" and was perpetrated as a "desire for revenge".{{cite web|url=https://www.start.umd.edu/gtd/search/IncidentSummary.aspx?gtdid=201710260021|title=GTD ID:201710260021|work=Global Terrorism Database|access-date=2024-08-06}}
Weeks later (November 21), the CCSTI of Grenoble to be ravaged by a fire destroying its Fab lab{{cite web|url=https://www.20minutes.fr/societe/2175935-20171125-grenoble-incendie-fablab-casemate-revendique-site-anarchiste|title=Grenoble: L'incendie du fablab la "Casemate" revendiqué sur un site anarchiste|work=20minutes.fr|date=25 November 2017 |access-date=2024-08-06}} The criminal act, the damage of which is estimated at several million euros.{{cite web|url=https://france3-regions.francetvinfo.fr/auvergne-rhone-alpes/isere/grenoble/incendie-casemate-grenoble-doute-acte-volontaire-1369659.html|title=Incendie à la Casemate de Grenoble, "sans doute un acte volontaire"|work=france3-regions.francetv|date=21 November 2017 |access-date=2024-08-06}} is also claimed on a website close to anarchists circles. In the days that followed, the staff of this center, nicknamed "La Casemate", received numerous testimonies of support, including some from the United States, Norway and Japan.{{cite web|url=http://www.petit-bulletin.fr/grenoble/infos-article-60139-Jeany+Jean-Baptiste+++++A+la+Casemate++on+ne+s+est+pas+autorises+a+etre+effondres++.html|title=Jeany Jean-Baptiste: " À la Casemate, on ne s'est pas autorisés à être effondrés "|work=petit-bulletin.fr|access-date=2024-08-06}} The entire first floor having been destroyed, its reopening is planned for the month of April 2020.{{cite web|url=https://acteursdeleconomie.latribune.fr/territoire/culture/2019-11-22/grenoble-la-casemate-donne-le-coup-d-envoi-de-sa-reconstruction-833516.html|title=Grenoble: La Casemate donne le coup d'envoi de sa reconstruction|work=acteursdeleconomie|date=22 November 2019 |access-date=2024-08-06}}
=2018=
Until 2018, a series of fires in large commercial establishments were the subject of articles in Le Dauphiné libéré;{{cite web|url=https://france3-regions.francetvinfo.fr/auvergne-rhone-alpes/isere/grenoble/nombreux-commerces-agglomeration-grenobloise-touches-incendies-ces-derniers-mois-1515753.html|title=De nombreux commerces de l'agglomération grenobloise touchés par des incendies ces dearniers mois|work=france3-regions|date=21 July 2018 |access-date=2024-08-06}} as in previous fires, investigators are exploring all leads. Fires occur in the urban area during the night, such as the one at the DIY store Bricoman of 4000 m2 in Bresson, in the suburbs near Grenoble, on June 23,{{cite web|url=https://france3-regions.francetvinfo.fr/auvergne-rhone-alpes/isere/grenoble/magasin-bricolage-detruit-incendie-bresson-isere-1499785.html|title=Un magasin de bricolage détruit par un incendie à Bresson|work=france3-regions.francetvinfo.fr|date=23 June 2018 |access-date=2024-08-06}} for which France Bleu Isère mentions a fire of electrical origin,{{cite web|url=https://www.francebleu.fr/infos/faits-divers-justice/un-magasin-de-bricolage-en-feu-a-bresson-dans-l-agglomeration-grenobloise-1529729060|title=Un magasin de bricolage détruit par un incendie à Bresson dans l'agglomération grenobloise|work=francebleu.fr|date=23 June 2018 |access-date=2024-08-06}} or that of the Euromaster garage of 2000 m2 in Saint-Martin-d'Hères, on the night of December 10- to December 11, which forced the evacuation of 101 people from the neighboring Belledonne clinic in the middle of the night.{{cite web|url=https://france3-regions.francetvinfo.fr/auvergne-rhone-alpes/isere/grenoble/garage-euromaster-detruit-incendie-saint-martin-heres-clinique-belledonne-impactee-1382319.html|title=Violent incendie chez Euromaster à Saint-Martin-d'Hères (Isère), la clinique Belledonne impactée|work=france3-regions|date=12 November 2017 |access-date=2024-08-06}}
In the disaster, 4300 tires in storage go up in smoke,{{cite web|url=https://france3-regions.francetvinfo.fr/auvergne-rhone-alpes/isere/grenoble/incendie-du-garage-euromaster-saint-martin-heres-tous-pneus-seront-remplaces-1383321.html|title=Incendie du garage Euromaster à Saint-Martin-d'Hères: tous les pneus seront remplacés|work=france3-regions.francetvinfo.fr|date=12 December 2017 |access-date=2024-08-06}} for this last case, the criminal nature of the facts was confirmed in the morning, but without the prosecution being able to establish a link with the previous arson attacks claimed by anarchists.{{cite web|title=Incendie volontaire en Isère: un garage de pneus part en fumée|url=http://www.leparisien.fr/faits-divers/incendie-volontaire-en-isere-un-garage-de-pneus-part-en-fumee-11-12-2017-7445997.php|work=Le Parisien.fr|date=11 December 2017 |access-date=2024-08-06}} On April 23, the Comradeship of Costly Greens (Amicale Verts Cherts) claimed the burn of four trucks at the premises of a towing company in Saint-Herblain.{{cite web|url=https://anstrat.org/france-entity-avc/|title=Comradeship of Costly Greens (Anarchist Entity, France)|work=Anstrat|accessdate=2024-08-10}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ouest-france.fr/pays-de-la-loire/nantes-44000/des-soutiens-la-zad-revendiquent-une-attaque-de-fourriere-5717671|title=Des soutiens à la Zad revendiquent une attaque de fourrière|work=Ouest France (in French)|date=23 April 2018 |accessdate=2024-08-10}}{{cite web|url=https://www.breizh-info.com/2018/04/25/94452/zad-commandos-ultra-gauche-entreprises-million-euros-degats/|title=Quatre dépanneuses incendiées, les soutiens de la ZAD revediquent|work=20 Minutes|date=25 April 2018 |accessdate=2024-08-10}}
On September 28, a slaughterhouse was burned in Haut Valromey, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, being claimed by animal rights extremists.{{cite web|url=https://www.start.umd.edu/gtd/search/IncidentSummary.aspx?gtdid=201809270045|title=GTD ID:201809270045|work=Global Terrorism Database|access-date=2024-08-06}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nation.com.pk/28-Sep-2018/radical-vegans-strike-fear-into-french-butchers|title='Radical vegans' strike fear into French butchers|work=The Nation|date=28 September 2018 |access-date=2024-08-06}}
It was not until October 8, the warehouse of the company Eiffage, in Saint-Martin-d'Hères, was also targeted and the action was claimed on the site Indymedia Nantes, by the fact that "this company occupies a fundamental function in our prison society" by providing "the material structure necessary for the punishment industry". Seven trucks and four utility vehicles were destroyed, putting 70 people out of work and was claimed by the "Renard" group (Foxes’ Module).{{cite web|url=https://anstrat.org/france-entity-r/|title=Foxes' Module (Anarchist Entity, France)|work=Anstrat|accessdate=2024-08-10}}{{cite journal|url=https://www.usinenouvelle.com/article/eiffage-victime-d-un-incendie-criminel-revendique-par-des-activistes-anticapitalistes-a-grenoble.N752909|title=Des activistes anticapitalistes revendiquent l'incendie d'Eiffage à Grenoble|website=Usinenouvelle.com|date=9 October 2018 |access-date=2024-08-06 |last1=Nouvelle |first1=L'Usine }}
=2019=
In early January 2019, several stairwells were set on fire during the night in building lobbies in the city centre.{{cite web|url=https://www.francetvinfo.fr/faits-divers/incendie/grenoble-de-mysterieux-incendies-qui-posent-question_3132401.html|title=Grenoble: de mystérieux incendies qui posent question|work=France TV Info|date=6 January 2019 |access-date=2024-08-06}} On the night of 16 to 17 January 2019, the Saint-Jacques church,{{cite web|url=https://www.vaticannews.va/fr/eglise/news/2019-10/eglise-catholique-grenoble-incendie-criminel-saint-jacques.html|title=L'incendie d'une église à Grenoble en janvier était d'origine criminelle|work=Vaticannews.va|date=10 October 2019 |access-date=2024-08-06}} on rue de Chamrousse, was completely destroyed by a fire, forcing the evacuation of 106 local residents by emergency services.{{cite web|url=https://france3-regions.francetvinfo.fr/auvergne-rhone-alpes/isere/grenoble/grenoble-incendie-ravage-eglise-106-personnes-sont-evacuees-1608293.html|title=Grenoble: un incendie ravage une église, 106 personnes sont évacuées|work=France3|date=17 January 2019 |access-date=2024-08-06}} Learning that a text published on Indymedia claimed responsibility for the disaster, the media Place gre'net used humor by titling "Anonymous "short circuits" claim responsibility for the fire at the Saint-Jacques church in Grenoble".{{cite web|url=https://www.placegrenet.fr/2019/01/22/incendie-eglise-saint-jacques-de-grenoble/225827|title=Des " courts-circuits " anonymes revendiquent l'incendie de l'église Saint-Jacques de Grenoble|work=Placegrenet.fr|date=22 January 2019 |access-date=2024-08-08}}{{cite web|url=https://www.start.umd.edu/gtd/search/IncidentSummary.aspx?gtdid=201901280028|title=GTD ID:201901280028|work=Global Terrorism Database|access-date=2024-08-08}} but the accidental theory of electrical origin remains nevertheless evoked,{{cite web|url=https://france3-regions.francetvinfo.fr/auvergne-rhone-alpes/isere/grenoble/reactions-maruisz-sliwa-pretre-eglise-saint-jacques-ravagee-flammes-janvier-2019-grenoble-1656192.html|title=Notre-Dame de Paris: à Grenoble son église aussi avait été ravagée par les flammes en janvier dernier|work=france3-regions|date=16 April 2019 |access-date=2024-08-08}} the public prosecutor of Grenoble, Eric Vaillant, not excluding an opportunistic claim.{{cite web|url=https://www.ledauphine.com/isere-sud/2019/01/23/incendie-de-l-eglise-saint-jacques-revendication-sur-une-plateforme-libertaire|title=Incendie de l'église Saint-Jacques à Grenoble: revendication sur une plateforme libertaire|work=ledauphine.com|date=23 January 2019 |access-date=2024-08-08}}{{cite web|url=https://france3-regions.francetvinfo.fr/auvergne-rhone-alpes/isere/grenoble/incendie-eglise-saint-jacques-grenoble-revendication-site-anarcho-libertaire-etonne-parquet-1612019.html|title=Incendie de l'église Saint-Jacques à Grenoble: la revendication sur un site anarcho-libertaire étonne le parquet|work=france3-regions.francetvinfo.fr|date=23 January 2019 |access-date=2024-08-08}}
A few days later, during the night of January 27 to January 28, the premises of the France Bleu Isère station on Avenue Félix-Viallet were completely ravaged by a fire of voluntary origin, a door having been broken.{{cite web|url=https://www.nouvelobs.com/societe/20190128.OBS9183/les-locaux-de-la-radio-france-bleu-isere-ravages-par-un-incendie-a-grenoble.html|title=Les locaux de la radio France-Bleu Isère ravagés par un incendie à Grenoble|work=nouvelobs.com|date=28 January 2019 |access-date=2024-08-08}}{{cite web|url=https://www.lexpress.fr/actualite/societe/fait-divers/les-locaux-de-france-bleu-isere-incendies-pendant-la-nuit_2059582.html|title=Incendie criminel dans les locaux de France bleu Isère|work=Lexpress.fr|date=28 January 2019 |access-date=2024-08-08}} The radio frequencies are recovered from 6 am by France Bleu Pays de Savoie, which retraces the events of the night, while France 3 Alpes immediately offers to accommodate the radio staff in its premises.{{cite web|url=https://france3-regions.francetvinfo.fr/auvergne-rhone-alpes/isere/grenoble/6-mois-apres-incendie-radio-france-bleu-isere-quitte-france-3-integre-ses-propres-locaux-1697952.html|title=6 mois après l'incendie, la radio France Bleu Isère quitte France 3 et intègre ses propres locaux|work=france3-regions|date=7 November 2019 |access-date=2024-08-08}} A special broadcast can thus take place from 5:30 p.m., with numerous reactions from listeners and personalities on the phone, including the Minister of Culture Franck Riester.{{cite web|url=https://www.francebleu.fr/infos/medias-people/en-direct-apres-l-incendie-de-ses-locaux-a-grenoble-france-bleu-isere-emet-de-nouveau-vers-17h30-1548690549|title=Après l'incendie de ses locaux, France Bleu Isère émet de nouveau depuis les locaux de France 3 à Grenoble|work=France Bleu|date=28 January 2019 |access-date=2024-08-08}}
On January 29, a TDF transmitter was set fire in Jarrie, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, being claimed the attack by anarchists,{{cite web|url=https://cpj.org/2019/02/french-radio-station-burned-in-arson-attack-anarch/|title=French radio station burned in arson attack, anarchist group claims responsibility|work=Committee to Protect Journalists|date=4 February 2019 |access-date=2024-08-08}}{{cite web|url=https://france3-regions.francetvinfo.fr/auvergne-rhone-alpes/isere/isere-emetteur-tdf-vandalise-haute-jarrie-1615235.html|title=Isère: un émetteur de TDF vandalisé à Haute-Jarrie|work=France3 Regions|date=29 January 2019 |access-date=2024-08-08}}
File:France bleu - Grenoble.JPG Isère premises before their fire on January 27, 2019.]]
On February 12, the advertising display company JCDecaux, located in Fontaine and responsible for maintaining the city's bus shelters, was the target of an arson attack that destroyed 50 m2 of premises and damaged a hundred more by the smoke released. The criminal nature of the incident was confirmed by the authorities at the end of the day,{{cite web|url=https://www.francebleu.fr/infos/faits-divers-justice/un-incendie-touche-les-locaux-de-jc-decaux-a-grenoble-1549953131|title=Un incendie criminel touche les locaux de JC Decaux à Grenoble|work=France Bleu.fr|date=12 February 2019 |access-date=2024-08-08}} while the next day, the authors of a text published on Indymedia claimed the attack.{{cite web|url=https://attaque.noblogs.org/post/2019/02/13/grenoble-un-jc-dec-en-moins/|title=Grenoble: Un JC Dec' en moins !|work=Attaque Blogs|access-date=2024-08-08}}
In early March, rioters started a fire in a public building, but these events cannot be linked to the ongoing wave of arson attacks.{{cite web|url=https://www.placegrenet.fr/2019/10/08/reouverture-irfss-grenoble-incendie/262045|title=Réouverture en grande pompe de l'IRFSS de Grenoble, incendié durant les émeutes de Mistral|work=Place Grenet.fr|date=8 October 2019 |access-date=2024-08-08}} On 17 July, eight cars from the EDF fleet were set on fire.{{cite web|url=https://www.lefigaro.fr/flash-actu/grenoble-huit-voitures-d-edf-brulees-pas-d-interpellation-20190617|title=Grenoble: huit voitures d'EDF brûlées, pas d'interpellation|work=Le Figaro|date=17 June 2019 |access-date=2024-08-08}}
On September 30, a fire completely destroyed several rooms in the Grenoble City Hall, including the city council building; traces of fuel were discovered on site.{{cite news|url=https://www.lemonde.fr/societe/article/2019/10/08/un-incendie-a-la-mairie-de-grenoble-d-origine-criminelle_6014629_3224.html|title=L'incendie à la mairie de Grenoble est d'origine criminelle|work=Le Monde|date=8 October 2019 |access-date=2024-08-08}} A month later, the act was claimed on Indymedia by a text castigating the municipal majority led by the environmentalist Éric Piolle,{{cite web|url=https://www.swissinfo.ch/fre/incendie-de-la-mairie-de-grenoble--revendication--prise-au-s%C3%A9rieux-/45364288|title=Incendie de la mairie de Grenoble: revendication "prise au sérieux"|work=swissinfo.ch|date=12 November 2019 |access-date=2024-08-08}} accused of selling the benefits of the SmartCity and hiding the gloom behind (the) facades of eco-friendly eco-districts.{{cite web|url=https://www.lefigaro.fr/flash-actu/une-revendication-de-l-incendie-de-la-mairie-de-grenoble-prise-au-serieux-20191112|title=Une revendication de l'incendie de la mairie de Grenoble "prise au sérieux"|work=Le Figaro.fr|date=12 November 2019 |access-date=2024-08-08}}{{cite web|url=https://www.cnews.fr/france/2019-11-13/des-anarchistes-revendiquent-lincendie-de-la-mairie-de-grenoble-898838|title=Des anarchistes revendiquent l'incendie de la mairie de Grenoble|work=cnews.fr|date=13 November 2019 |access-date=2024-08-08}}{{cite web|url=http://www.leparisien.fr/faits-divers/grenoble-des-anarchistes-revendiquent-l-incendie-de-la-mairie-12-11-2019-8191800.php|title=Grenoble: des anarchistes revendiquent l'incendie de la mairie|work=Le Parisien.fr|date=12 November 2019 |access-date=2024-08-08}} The room will not reopen until May 2024 at a cost of 600,000 euros, which will be borne by the taxpayer.{{cite web|url=https://mesinfos.fr/38000-grenoble/a-quoi-ressemble-la-nouvelle-salle-du-conseil-municipal-de-grenoble-198906.html/45364288|title=A quoi ressemble la nouvelle salle du conseil municipal de Grenoble|work=Mesinfos|access-date=2024-08-08}}
In the meantime, on October 8, 2019, the prosecutor revealed to the press the criminal nature of the fire at the Saint-Jacques church that occurred in January{{cite web|url=https://www.franceinter.fr/mairie-eglise-gendarmerie-a-grenoble-au-moins-sept-incendies-criminels-revendiques-depuis-deux-ans|title=Mairie, église, gendarmerie: à Grenoble, au moins sept incendies criminels revendiqués depuis deux ans|work=Franceinter|date=10 October 2019 |access-date=2024-08-08}} and reclassifies the facts. Bishop Guy de Kerimel promises to rebuild the church.{{cite news|url=https://www.la-croix.com/Religion/Catholicisme/France/A-Grenoble-lincendie-dune-eglise-janvier-etait-dorigine-criminelle-2019-10-09-1201053061|title=À Grenoble, l'incendie d'une église en janvier était d'origine criminelle|work=La Croix|date=9 October 2019 |access-date=2024-08-08}} of which only the bell tower and its cross remained standing, but it will ultimately never be rebuilt in order to make way for 125 housing units.{{cite web|url=https://www.ledauphine.com/economie/2024/01/12/isere-grenoble-quand-le-diocese-vend-son-patrimoine-immobilier|title=Quand le diocèse vend son patrimoine immobilier|work=Le Dauphine|date=12 January 2024 |access-date=2024-08-08}}
On November 26, 2019, 350 police officers and gendarmes conducted searches in five squats in Fontaine and Grenoble, known to be frequented by members of the alternative movement and the Yellow Vests, as well as in the ZAD of Roybon{{cite web|url=https://france3-regions.francetvinfo.fr/auvergne-rhone-alpes/isere/grenoble/5-interventions-police-ont-ete-menees-contre-squats-grenoble-roybon-isere-1754775.html|title=Série d'incendies à Grenoble: des perquisitions dans des squats à Grenoble et dans la ZAD de Roybon (Isère)|work=france3 Regions|date=26 November 2019 |access-date=2024-08-08}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ledauphine.com/faits-divers-justice/2019/11/26/vaste-operation-de-police-dans-les-squats-de-l-agglomeration-grenobloise|title=Incendies volontaires à Grenoble: perquisitions dans des lieux alternatifs|work=Le Dauphine.com|date=26 November 2019 |access-date=2024-08-08}}{{cite web|url=https://www.lefigaro.fr/flash-actu/incendies-volontaires-a-grenoble-perquisitions-dans-des-lieux-alternatifs-20191126|title=Incendies volontaires à Grenoble: perquisitions dans des lieux alternatifs|work=Le Figaro|date=26 November 2019 |access-date=2024-08-08}} Computer equipment was seized and DNA samples were taken from those present. No arrests were made in connection with the wave of damage and fires, but five people were placed in administrative detention center and two were subject to an obligation to leave French territory.
=2020=
On January 13, 2020, an Enedis hangar located in Seyssinet-Pariset was completely burned down, resulting in the destruction of 15 vehicles{{cite web|url=https://www.ledauphine.com/faits-divers-justice/2020/01/13/seyssinet-pariset-en-isere-un-garage-d-enedis-et-11-vehicules-detruits-par-un-incendie-suspect|title=Seyssinet-Pariset: "J'estime que cette affaire peut être de nature terroriste" a indiqué le procureur de la République de Grenoble|work=Le Dauphine.com|date=13 January 2020 |access-date=2024-08-09}} for a loss of two million euros.{{cite web|url=https://www.lexpress.fr/actualite/societe/fait-divers/un-incendie-criminel-detruit-des-vehicules-d-enedis-pres-de-grenoble_2114606.html|title=Un incendie criminel détruit des véhicules d'Enedis près de Grenoble|work=Lexpress.fr|date=13 January 2020 |access-date=2024-08-09}} The act was claimed the same day and presented as a response to the "wave of searches" at the end of November 2019. The same day, the Grenoble public prosecutor announced that he had asked the national anti-terrorism prosecutor's office to resume the investigation, considering that the acts carried out "can be considered terrorist attacks"56. The next day, the PNAT declined the request, which the Grenoble prosecutor had already made several times, without winning the case.{{cite web|url=https://www.lefigaro.fr/flash-actu/incendies-criminels-le-procureur-de-grenoble-demande-au-parquet-anti-terroriste-de-se-saisir-du-dossier-20200113|title=Incendies criminels: le procureur de Grenoble demande au parquet anti-terroriste de se saisir du dossier|work=Le Figaro|date=13 January 2020 |access-date=2024-08-09}} The following day, the PNAT declined the request, which the Grenoble prosecutor had already made several times, without success.
Another intentional fire occurred on February 24 in the Eiffel building of the university campus, destroying 700 m2 of a research laboratory (3SR) belonging to the French National Centre for Scientific Research and the Grenoble Alpes University.{{cite web|url=https://etudiant.lefigaro.fr/article/grenoble-enquete-ouverte-apres-l-incendie-volontaire-d-un-laboratoire-de-recherche_fcb58382-56e6-11ea-9119-26e5bd4c14e9/|title=Grenoble: enquête ouverte après l'incendie volontaire d'un laboratoire de recherche|work=Le Figaro|date=24 February 2020 |access-date=2024-08-09}}{{,}}{{cite news|url=https://www.lemonde.fr/societe/article/2020/02/24/a-grenoble-la-justice-desemparee-face-a-une-serie-d-incendies_6030614_3224.html|title=A Grenoble, la justice désemparée face à une série d'incendies|work=Le monde|date=24 February 2020 |access-date=2024-08-09}}
On May 18, unclaimed fires damaged the Jarrie{{cite web|url=https://www.start.umd.edu/gtd/search/IncidentSummary.aspx?gtdid=202005180021|title=GTD ID|work=Global Terrorism Database|access-date=2024-08-09}} and Tour sans Venin television broadcasting relays at around {{Heure|3}}, preventing several national or local radio stations and television channels from broadcasting in the Grenoble metropolitan area and also affecting the operation of telephone operators.{{cite web|url=https://www.rtl.fr/actu/justice-faits-divers/grenoble-deux-relais-de-telediffusion-incendies-l-ultra-gauche-suspectee-7800525335|title=Grenoble: deux relais de télédiffusion incendiés, l'ultra gauche suspectée|work=rtl.fr|date=18 May 2020 |access-date=2024-08-09}}{{cite web|url=https://www.francetvinfo.fr/faits-divers/incendie/isere-l-incendie-d-antennes-relais-radio-et-television-perturbe-la-diffusion-de-plusieurs-antennes_3969745.html|title=Isère: l'incendie d'antennes relais radio et télévision perturbe la diffusion de plusieurs antennes|work=Francetvinfo|date=18 May 2020 |access-date=2024-08-09}}
=2021=
On the night of February 19 to 20, the company Constructel located in Sassenage and specializing in the installation of optical fiber was the target of an arson attack destroying a relay antenna, cable stocks and a platform vehicle.{{cite web|url=https://www.europe1.fr/societe/isere-deux-incendies-visant-une-entreprise-telecoms-revendiques-4027292|title=Isère: deux incendies visant une entreprise télécoms revendiqués|work=europe1|date=23 February 2021 |access-date=2024-08-09}}
This fire, as well as another similar one that occurred a few days earlier in Brézins are claimed by the libertarian ultra-left.{{cite web|url=https://www.lefigaro.fr/actualite-france/en-isere-l-ultragauche-s-en-prend-a-la-fibre-optique-20210226|title=En Isère, l'ultragauche s'en prend à la fibre optique|work=Le Figaro|date=26 February 2021 |access-date=2024-08-09}}
=2022=
On April 3 and 4, 2022, several sites belonging to the Réseau de Transport d'Électricité (RTE) were set on fire in the vicinity of Grenoble. These fires caused power outages and significant damage. On site, investigators noted the presence of anarchist inscriptions, leading the Grenoble Public Prosecutor's Office to suspect the involvement of the ultra-left movement in these acts.{{cite web|url=https://www.marianne.net/societe/police-et-justice/isere-lultra-gauche-suspectee-davoir-mis-le-feu-a-plusieurs-lignes-electriques|title=Isère: l'ultra gauche suspectée d'avoir mis le feu à plusieurs lignes électriques|work=Marianne|date=5 April 2022 |access-date=2024-08-09}}
The next day, the most spectacular fire affected high-voltage lines running under the Brignoud bridge and supplying the semiconductor manufacturers Soitec and STMicroelectronics in Crolles,{{cite web|url=https://www.leparisien.fr/isere-38/isere-une-vallee-isolee-apres-lincendie-dun-pont-la-piste-de-lultra-gauche-privilegiee-02-05-2022-EPF33DRRTBHUJKU5EOGRUE7HUY.php|title=Isère: une vallée isolée après l'incendie d'un pont, la piste de l'ultra-gauche privilégiée|work=Le Parisien|date=2 May 2022 |access-date=2024-08-09}} shutting down their production for a few hours and causing their stock price to fall.{{cite web|url=https://www.lesechos.fr/pme-regions/auvergne-rhone-alpes/la-silicon-valley-grenobloise-touchee-par-des-incendies-criminels-1398658|title=La 'Silicon Valley' grenobloise touchée par des incendies criminels|work=lesechos|date=5 April 2022 |access-date=2024-08-09}} Shutting down their production for a few hours and causing. Despite the bridge reopening to pedestrians on May 2,{{cite web|url=https://www.placegrenet.fr/2022/04/27/incendie-du-pont-de-brignoud-la-circulation-des-pietons-autorisee-a-partir-du-lundi-2-mai-2022/566895|title=Incendie du pont de Brignoud: la circulation des piétons autorisée à partir du lundi 2 mai 2022|work=Placegrenet|date=27 April 2022 |access-date=2024-08-09}} the local economy is also seriously affected{{cite web|url=https://www.ledauphine.com/economie/2022/05/11/isere-gresivaudan-pont-de-brignoud-que-faire-pour-aider-les-commercants|title=Pont de Brignoud: que faire pour aider les commerçant?|work=?Le Dauphine.com |date=11 May 2022 |access-date=2024-08-09}} and a project to rebuild the bridge used daily by 27,000 vehicles is being considered by the department.{{cite web|url=https://france3-regions.francetvinfo.fr/auvergne-rhone-alpes/isere/isere-le-pont-de-brignoud-accessible-aux-pietons-a-partir-du-2-mai-pas-de-reouverture-prevue-pour-les-voitures-avant-plusieurs-mois-2531768.html|title=Isère: le pont de Brignoud accessible aux piétons à partir du 2 mai, pas de réouverture prévue pour les voitures avant plusieurs mois|work=France3|date=26 April 2022 |access-date=2024-08-09}}
A new road bridge parallel to the old one will be put into service at the end of 2026 at a cost of 24 million euros.{{cite web|url=https://www.francebleu.fr/infos/transports/le-departement-de-l-isere-devoile-le-projet-du-futur-pont-de-brignoud-4321305|title=Le département de l'Isère dévoile le projet du futur pont de Brignoud|work=France Bleu|date=20 April 2023 |access-date=2024-08-09}}
=2023=
El 35 de septiembre a pylon carrying two power lines, one of which was high-voltage, was set on fire in Seyssinet-Pariset. The Grenoble public prosecutor favors the anarchists lead in this unclaimed act.{{cite news |url=https://france3-regions.francetvinfo.fr/auvergne-rhone-alpes/isere/grenoble/un-pylone-electrique-incendie-pres-de-grenoble-la-piste-de-l-ultra-gauche-libertaire-privilegiee-2845832.html|title=Un pylône électrique incendié près de Grenoble, "la piste de l'ultra gauche libertaire privilégiée"|work=France 3|date=26 September 2023 |access-date=2024-08-09}}
Perpetrators
This attacks usually are perpetrated by anarchists cells (sometimes anonymous), the modus operanti of the groups includes usually claimed in antistablishment websites, attacking in late at night and use of names in few actions. One of the cells called Individualités Sauvages, claimed a series of attacks in 2017, being inactive months later.{{cite web|url=https://anstrat.org/france-entity-is/|title=Savage Individuals (Anarchist Entity, France)|work=Anstrat|accessdate=2024-08-10}} The other of the first cells Révolte Anarchiste des Gendarmes Exilés, shortened by RAGE, claimed another ring of attacks.{{cite web|url=https://anstrat.org/france-entity-rage/|title=Cell of the Anarchist Revolt of the Exiled Gendarmes (Anarchist Entity, France)|work=Anstrat|accessdate=2024-08-10}}{{cite web|url=https://www.20minutes.fr/societe/2155311-20171021-ultra-gauche-groupuscules-redoutes-forces-ordre|title=Ultra gauche: Qui sont ces groupuscules redoutés par les forces de l'ordre?|work=20 Minutes|accessdate=2024-08-10}} The Nocturnes claimed an attack on a hangar of the local police forensics service in Grenoble, being the groups only attack registered.{{cite web|url=https://anstrat.org/france-entity-n/|title=Nocturnals Cell (Anarchist Entity, France)|work=Anstrat|accessdate=2024-08-10}} In the same year the cell Konspiration d’Individualités Complices et Kaotiques other attacks, like wise the "Enfants avec des Allumettes" (Kids with Matches").{{cite web|url=https://anstrat.org/france-entity-eada/|title=Children with Matches (Anarchist Entity, France)|work=Anstrat|accessdate=2024-08-10}}
Reactions from political figures
For Laurent Wauquiez, the government is indifferent to these fires.{{cite web|url=https://www.francebleu.fr/infos/faits-divers-justice/incendies-criminels-a-grenoble-pour-laurent-waquiez-le-gouvernement-fait-la-sourde-oreille-1570805556|title=Incendies criminels en Isère: pour Laurent Wauquiez, le gouvernement fait la sourde oreille|work=France Bleu.fr|date=11 October 2019 |access-date=2024-08-08}} After the fire at the town hall, Alain Carignon, candidate in the 2020 municipal elections in Grenoble, recalled that in April 2017, the security commission issued an unfavorable opinion on the continued operation of the town hall and that, in September 2018, the Regional Audit Office included in its recommendations to "conduct a study quantifying the cost of bringing the town hall up to standard".{{cite web|url=https://www.francebleu.fr/infos/faits-divers-justice/incendie-a-la-marie-de-la-grenoble-la-salle-du-conseil-municipal-entierement-detruite-1569816994|title=Ce que l'on sait de l'incendie qui a détruit une partie de la mairie de Grenoble|work=France Bleu|date=30 September 2019 |access-date=2024-08-08}}
References
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Grenoble, Arson attacks}}
Category:2010s fires in Europe
Category:2020s fires in Europe
Category:Crime in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Category:Terrorist incidents in France in the 2010s