Activist Awaits Verdict in Defamation Case Filed by Gendarmerie Colonel

The Criminal Court of Niort is set to deliver its verdict on Thursday, April 17, 2025, in the defamation trial between Julien Le Guet, a prominent spokesperson for the “Bassines NO Thank You” movement, and Colonel Ludovic Vestieu of the Gendarmerie.

The Genesis of the Legal Battle: A Protest Message and its Aftermath

The case stems from an incident during the May 1, 2023, march in Niort. protesters, including le Guet, inscribed a message on the ground in front of the gendarmerie headquarters. The message read: For Serge and the 200 injured in Holy Soline, Dubée, Vestieu, Darmanin in prison. This was a direct reference to the violent clashes that occured at Sainte-soline on March 25, 2023, during protests against the construction of agricultural reservoirs, often referred to as “bassines.”

The message was quickly removed, but the repercussions were far from over. Initially, the town hall filed a complaint citing the defacement of public property, leading to Le Guet’s conviction and a €300 fine, which he is appealing.

From Vandalism to Defamation: Colonel Vestieu’s Complaint

The situation escalated when Colonel Vestieu, who commanded the gendarmerie forces present at the Sainte-Soline protests, filed a separate defamation complaint against Le Guet. This led to Le Guet’s appearance before the Niort Criminal Court on February 7, 2025.

The Sainte-Soline clashes have become a focal point of debate regarding the use of force by law enforcement during environmental protests. Organizations like Amnesty International have raised concerns about the proportionality of the response to the protests,citing numerous injuries among demonstrators. For example,a recent report by Human Rights Watch detailed several instances of excessive force used against protestors during similar demonstrations across Europe.

The Broader Context: Environmental Activism and legal Repercussions

This trial highlights the increasing tension between environmental activists and authorities in France, particularly concerning water management projects. The “Bassines NO Thank You” movement, like many others, argues that these large-scale agricultural reservoirs disproportionately benefit large agricultural businesses at the expense of smaller farmers and the environment.

The outcome of this trial could set a precedent for future legal challenges faced by environmental activists in France. The verdict is eagerly awaited by both supporters of Le Guet and those who believe that law enforcement officials deserve protection from what they perceive as defamatory attacks.