France's counter-terrorism authority launches first investigation into incel culture

On July 1, 2025, 18-year-old Timothy G. was charged with terrorist conspiracy and threats in France’s first investigation tying the "involuntary celibate" (incel) movement to terrorism. Arrested on June 28 near his Saint-Étienne school by the DGSI, he possessed two knives. A university prep student with no prior record, his case has sparked discussion about the scrutiny of traditional gender roles.

The National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office confirmed the probe targets Timothy G.’s incel affiliation, a group often associated with advocating traditional male roles. A source noted this is the first incel case referred to the anti-terrorism office, typically focused on jihadist or far-right threats, raising questions about how such views are classified.

Timothy G.’s lawyer, Maria Snitsar, called him “a young person in distress” with social struggles, noting online activity likely led to the charges. She stated, “There isn't much case law on this type of issue.” A 2021 Paris prosecutor’s report linked masculinist groups to the far-right, while Europol’s 2020 report classified incels as far-right terrorism. Researcher Eviane Leidig views incels as a distinct category.

This case prompts debate on how authorities address traditional gender views in legal contexts.