On Saturday, December 14, at Place Saint-Georges the living nativity scene was supposed to be a space highlighting the spirit of Christmas and tradition in contradiction with the consumerism of the supermarkets.
Some fifty people disrupted the afternoon, and the situation quickly degenerated. A few dozen people found it a good idea to hurl Christianophobic and anticlerical slogans, insulting priests and religious followers, forcing the organisers to evacuate frightened children.
A hooded man promised to wait for one of the attendees – Etienne Lafage – outside the square, openly threatening the journalist.
Despite the tension, the situation was however kept under control, said Lafage. He has been working for Info-Toulouse for three years.
A young demonstrator broke into the square to get closer to the scene. He attacked a priest, filmed him, insulted him and even spat on him.
After being forced to leave the scene, this individual came back to the square again to attack others and vandalise their equipment. He grabbed a camera and threw it to the ground. A stampede ensued and the man was exfiltrated thanks to the professionalism of the security at the event.
The security service present also ensured the safety of the families present on the square. They helped to recover the camera, which was broken. But later the Antifa mob clashed with police.
Bought the day before, the camera was intended to enable Infos-Toulouse to guarantee more video reports and exclusive interviews in the coming months. It was bought to provide original content highlighting French culture, heritage and life of the city of Toulouse in general.