French officials said today that 145 people reported being stabbed with syringes during the annual street music festival and police have detained 12 suspects.
Millions of people attended the Fete de la Musique (World Music Festival) across France last night, and authorities said there was an “unprecedented crowd” in Paris.
Before the event began, there were posts on social media calling for women to be attacked during the festival.
The French Interior Ministry said 145 victims reported being stabbed with needles nationwide, with 13 reports received by Paris police.
Officials did not say whether these were so-called “needle spiking”, which involves injecting rape drugs such as Rohypnol or GHB to make victims drowsy and unconscious, thereby increasing the risk of sexual assault.
The Ministry of the Interior said: “Some victims have been sent to the hospital for toxicology tests.”
Paris prosecutors said they have launched investigations into three cases, reported by a 15-year-old girl and an 18-year-old boy who were stabbed with needles at different locations in Paris.
All three victims said they felt unwell.
In addition, more than 370 people were detained for various crimes during the festival, including nearly 90 arrests in Paris.
Fourteen participants were seriously injured, including a 17-year-old boy who was stabbed in the lower abdomen and sat on the street. He has been sent to hospital for treatment.
Another 13 law enforcement officers were injured. “No major incidents have been reported,” said Laurent Nunez, the chief of the Paris police.
