French police arrest ‘incel’ suspected of planning knife attack on women

An 18-year-old man in France has been arrested by the national anti-terrorist prosecutor's office (PNAT) on suspicion of planning attacks against women, marking the first case linked to the 'incel' movement in the country. The term 'incel' refers to individuals who identify as involuntarily celibate and often harbor misogynistic views, believing they are unjustly denied romantic or sexual relationships. The young man, who claimed affiliation with this movement, is under investigation for allegedly conspiring with terrorist criminals to prepare one or more violent acts against women. His arrest occurred near a school in the Saint-Étienne region, where he was found in possession of two knives, raising concerns about the potential for a targeted attack against female individuals in the area.

The rise of ideologies rooted in misogyny, including those propagated by the incel community, has become increasingly concerning as they gain traction through online platforms. Over the past decade, these ideologies have garnered mainstream attention, prompting authorities to take proactive measures in addressing potential threats. The PNAT's investigation highlights the significant risks posed by individuals who may be influenced by extremist views, particularly those that incite violence against women. As this case unfolds, it underscores the importance of monitoring and countering hate-driven movements that can lead to real-world violence, particularly in light of the growing prevalence of such ideologies across social media and other digital channels.