When Protesters Become Targets | Montpelier News

A French student, Ritchy Thibault, sparked national controversy by shouting “the eye-gouger” at President Macron during a protest-related event, leading to criminal charges. Witnesses—including the narrator—were abruptly removed from court during his trial, which proceeded in his absence. Thibault, an anthropology student and activist inspired by local democracy thinkers like Bookchin, has faced repeated state harassment. His case echoes similar crackdowns on dissenters worldwide, like a Massachusetts student detained for writing an opinion piece. The episode urges listeners: when institutions fail, it’s up to us to speak out—and act—in our own communities. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: [email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Sources: https://vtdigger.org/2026/09/15/opinion-my-friend-is-being-crushed-for-one-sentence-spoken-to-a-president/ More coverage & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/a60aa55830fedb7a Report issues to [email protected].