Video book burning Lorient far-right Damien Girard LGBT books Lanester

Shocking Videos Shared on Instagram

Graphic footage surfaced on Instagram showing far-right activists based in Lorient destroying books focused on gender identity and sex education. The videos depict the books—originally from the Elsa-Triolet municipal library in Lanester (Morbihan)—being torn apart and then burned in a clay pot on a beach. A chilling caption accompanies the post: “We will burn your books again.”

Books Stolen in What Appears to Be a Symbolic Attack

Lanester mayor Gilles Carréric confirmed that the books targeted were part of a curated display for Pride Month. None of the books were officially checked out, indicating they were likely stolen. The mayor strongly condemned the act, calling it an assault on the city’s values and on the freedom of expression.

Nazi References and Calls to Hatred

The video montage, obtained by Libération before it was deleted, included archive footage of Nazi book burnings from 1933 that had targeted Jewish, Marxist, and pacifist authors. The imagery and accompanying rhetoric prompted outrage from local officials, who condemned the content as deeply offensive and inciting hatred against the LGBTQ+ community.

MP Damien Girard Personally Targeted

The Instagram video also took aim at Green Party deputy Damien Girard, digitally altering his image with exaggerated red eyes in a mocking caricature. The account behind the video, named “cercle damien,” is believed by the MP to be affiliated with a local neo-fascist group known as “La Digue.” Girard has filed a police complaint in Lorient and formally alerted the public prosecutor, citing glorification of Nazism and incitement to hatred and violence.

Call for the Dissolution of Neo-Fascist Collective

Damien Girard, alongside several local representatives—including the mayor of Lanester—has called on Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau and Prime Minister François Bayrou to disband La Digue. The group’s X (formerly Twitter) account has since been deactivated.

Escalating Tensions Ahead of Lorient Pride March

The timing of the video’s release comes just two days before Lorient’s Pride March, scheduled to take place this Saturday at 2 p.m. at Place Glotin. The Young Socialists of Morbihan voiced their concern on X, calling for increased security to ensure the safety and success of the upcoming LGBTQ+ event.