Up to 40,000 people from France and neighboring countries gathered for an illegal rave at a former military firing range near the town of Bourges in central France. The event, which began on Friday, took place despite warnings from authorities that the site was extremely dangerous due to the risk of unexploded mortars.
During the gathering, bomb disposal experts had to intervene after a shell was discovered near a road running through the party site. Emergency services treated 12 people with minor injuries on the morning of May 2.
Organizers stated they chose Bourges, the hometown of Interior Minister Laurent Nunez, to protest against a proposed bill increasing penalties for unregistered raves. While organizers denounced the criminalisation of party venues, the proposed legislation could result in penalties of up to six months in prison.
Following the event, Interior Minister Laurent Nunez vowed to clamp down harder on illegal rave gatherings.