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Incendiary device explodes outside Russian consulate in Marseille Incendiary devices explode outside Russian consulate in Marseille
(about 7 hours later)
No injuries reported after incident on Monday, which marks third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of UkraineNo injuries reported after incident on Monday, which marks third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
An incendiary device exploded outside the Russian consulate in Marseille early on Monday, authorities said, on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. No injuries were reported. Three improvised explosive devices have been thrown at the Russian consulate in the southern French port city of Marseille but no one was injured, according to a French police source.
A second device was thrown but did not explode, and a bomb disposal expert was called to the scene. Only two of the devices detonated in the attack on the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the source said.
The suspect fled and an investigation has been launched, an official said on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to be publicly named by national police policy. Authorities did not provide details on the suspect or a motive. The consulate was sealed off by police and AFP journalists heard a detonation caused by a bomb disposal robot.
Marseille, France’s second-largest city and a main Mediterranean port, is home to a diverse population but does not have a notably large Russian community. There have been multiple protests in France against Russia’s war in Ukraine since 2022, including demonstrations in Marseille, Paris and other cities. The suspect fled and an investigation has been launched, an official said on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to be named publicly by national police policy. Authorities did not provide details on the suspect or a motive.
Russia’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, said the incident in Marseille had “all the hallmarks of a terrorist attack”. Marseille, France’s second-largest city and a major Mediterranean port, is home to a diverse population but does not have a notably large Russian community. There have been protests in France against Russia’s war in Ukraine since 2022, including demonstrations in Marseille, Paris and other cities.
A Russian foreign ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, said the incident had “all the hallmarks of a terrorist attack”.
The French government quickly condemned the incident. “France condemns any infringement of the security of diplomatic compounds,” a foreign ministry spokesperson told reporters. “The inviolability, protection and integrity of diplomatic and consular compounds and their staff are fundamental principles in international law.”
On 24 February 2022, the Russian leader, Vladimir Putin, invaded pro-western Ukraine, setting off the biggest conflict in Europe since the second world war.
AP and AFP contributed to this report