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145 people jabbed with syringes at music festival in France
145 people were injured with syringes at a music festival in France. Police are investigating at least 13 incidents in Paris. Security measures are being strengthened.
145 people jabbed with syringes at music festival in France
On Sunday, French police arrested 12 people after 145 people were pricked with syringes during a nationwide street music festival, France's Interior Ministry said.
Incidents during the festival
The attacks occurred across France, with Paris police confirming at least 13 cases in the capital. The Home Office said it remains unclear whether the cases of "needle prick attacks" - in which attackers typically use syringes to inject victims in the arm, leg or buttocks - are linked to drugs such as Rohypnol or GHB, which can cause victims to become disorientated, unconscious and vulnerable to attack.
Investigations and reactions from authorities
“The ministry takes these incidents very seriously,” an Interior Ministry spokeswoman told CNN on Monday. “Toxicology tests are being conducted and the investigation is ongoing.”
Fête de la Musique and safety concerns
Millions of people celebrated the nationwide Fête de la Musique over the weekend, with authorities describing the crowds in Paris as “unprecedented”. Laurent Nuñez, the police chief of Paris, reported in an interview with the French broadcaster CNews that there were three to four times as many people in the city as usual.
Criticism of social media
Before the festival, feminist influencers such as Abrège Soeur warned that calls to attack women with needles were circulating on social media. “These incidents are extremely serious,” Nuñez told CNews, calling online calls to inject women “completely idiotic.”
Investigations into the incidents
In Paris, prosecutors said an investigation was launched after three people, including a 15-year-old girl and an 18-year-old man, reported needlestick injuries in separate incidents in the city. All three said they felt unwell afterwards, CNN affiliate BFMTV reported.
Other arrests and incidents
In addition to the needle attacks, a total of 371 people were arrested across France for various incidents on Saturday night, including nearly 90 in Paris, the ministry said.