Police trying to close an underground New Year’s Eve party, violent at curfew, which drew at least 2,500 people in western France, were attacked by ravers who set fire to a police vehicle and wounded police officers with bursts of bottles and stones .
Hundreds of vehicles began to converge on a hangar in Lieuron, Brittany, on Thursday night for the New Year party, the regional government said on Friday. According to the report, the police were attacked when trying to prevent ravers from installing their party equipment.
french corona boxes
As of Friday morning, 2,500 ravers from France and abroad were still celebrating, surrounded by a reinforced police presence, the regional government said.
Prosecutors were considering a range of possible criminal charges. The party took place despite the curfew across the country from 8 pm to 6 am, with the aim of deterring public demonstrations during the pandemic.
Party goers, however, called for understanding after months of blocking and nightlife-destroying curfews designed to limit coronavirus infections.
A volunteer with a help group that distributed masks, antivirus gel and health advice within the techno party said the ravers needed to break free. He said ravers try to stay safe by not sharing joints or drinks. Their group, Techno +, was advising partygoers to isolate themselves for a week and then take the test after attending the rave. The group also said that the disabled hangar was airy and well ventilated.
France has reported more than 64,000 virus-related deaths since the pandemic began.