Women targeted by mortar fire during an evening forbidden to men… They testify

In Paris, the Halloween evening organized by the La Bringue collective could have turned into a tragedy. A group of around 75 women were targeted by fireworks mortars on the night of Thursday October 31 to Friday November 1 in a club in the La Villette district. “I was in the smoking corner and in front of me, I see a mortar firework shot and I say to myself “ok, this firework is a little close, but okay…” And before settling down no more questions, the shot was aimed at us, clearly, knowingly,” testifies Catia. Nino, also on site, adds having seen “satisfied guys. Their behavior did not show fear. They were there and didn’t want to leave.”

A similar act in Marseille

The young women, regulars at La Bringue evenings, have never experienced scenes like this. “The worst that could have happened was men who were a little angry and were refused entry and therefore decided to insult us,” explains Nino. Nothing comparable then. However, in Marseille in 2023, a similar incident took place. Women, who were also in a smoking area during an evening organized by the same collective, had received gasoline.

At least two complaints were filed for acts of violence involving the use or threat of a weapon without incapacity. After sharing her story on the social network X, Catia deplores the sexist and racist messages received in comments and swears that she will report it to the Pharos platform. However, the participants of the La Bringue evenings do not intend to stop dancing. “The event even motivated me to go there and return. Now it has almost become a political act, a big middle finger to men who don't appreciate us having fun without them,” insists Nino.

The full interview can be found at the top of this article.