French police detain dozens of students protesting draft law on antisemitism definitions

Arrests at Sorbonne

PARIS — French riot police arrested 47 students Wednesday after clearing a sit-in at the Sorbonne University that targeted a government bill widening the legal definition of antisemitism, according to Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin. The midday raid, which witnesses say included tear gas and pepper spray, ended a 24-hour occupation of the historic lecture hall where protesters demanded lawmakers scrap provisions that would adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition of antisemitism.

Legislative flashpoint

The draft law, championed by President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist coalition, adds the IHRA text— which lists "claiming that Israel is a racist endeavor" as an example of antisemitic hate — into the penal code. Supporters argue the change is vital after a 74 percent surge in antisemitic incidents last year, but campus groups say it will criminalize criticism of Israel and stifle free speech on Gaza. "We are against antisemitism, we are against this law," shouted Sorbonne student union leader Amina Khaldi as officers dragged demonstrators down marble steps.

Government defends crackdown

Darmanin told lawmakers the operation "restored republican order" and praised police for acting "firmly but proportionately." All detainees were released by evening with orders to appear in court on charges of wilful obstruction and defying a campus ban on protests, prosecutors said. Education Minister Nicole Belloubet accused the students of "importing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict into French universities" and warned that further occupations would meet "the same determined response."

Political backlash

Left-wing parties condemned the arrests, with France Unbowed lawmaker Mathilde Panot calling them "a shameful attack on youth activism." The National Students’ Union has called for nationwide strikes next week, while the Conference of French University Presidents pleaded for "dialogue over force." Legal scholars note that if passed, the bill could test constitutional protections for expression because the IHRA definition is non-binding guidance, not legal wording. The Senate is expected to debate the measure in June.