Europe

France Says US Ambassador Skipped Summons Over Comments on Activist’s Death

French prosecutors are investigating the death of activist Quentin Deranque as a homicide and have arrested 11 people.
France Says US Ambassador Skipped Summons Over Comments on Activist’s Death
France's Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot gives a press briefing at the residence of the French ambassador in Beirut, Lebanon, on Feb. 6, 2026. Anwar Amro/AFP via Getty Images
Evgenia Filimianova
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French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said on Feb. 24 that U.S. Ambassador to France Charles Kushner failed to attend a summons at the Foreign Ministry, calling the absence a “surprise” and saying it could affect the ambassador’s ability to carry out his duties, though not broader bilateral ties.

Speaking to Franceinfo, Barrot said Kushner did not appear for a 7 p.m. meeting on Feb. 23 after being called in over comments by the U.S. Embassy in France regarding the death of a 23-year-old conservative French activist Quentin Deranque.
Evgenia Filimianova
Evgenia Filimianova
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Evgenia Filimianova is a UK-based journalist covering a wide range of international stories, with a particular interest in foreign policy, economy, and UK politics.