During New Year's Eve, nearly 1,000 vehicles were set on fire across France, according to a report released this Wednesday by the Ministry of the Interior.
This episode also led to the arrest of 420 people, of whom 310 were placed in police custody as reported by FranceBleu.
An increase compared to the previous year
This year's results reveal a significant increase in incidents compared to those recorded last year. In 2023, 745 vehicles were set on fire and 380 people arrested during the same festive evening.
The Minister of the Interior, Bruno Retailleau, declared that he had chosen to publish these figures to “speak truth to the French”. He deplored a toll “still too heavy” despite the strong mobilization of the police.
Serious incidents involving mortars
The ministry has also reported numerous incidents linked to the use of fireworks mortars. In some cases, these devices have been directed against security forces. Among the most serious incidents, a two-year-old child was injured in the face in Lyon and could have permanent after-effects.
-In Thonon-les-Bains, a person was transported in absolute emergency after being hit by a mortar.
The minister denounced what he described as “wilding”, pointing the finger at “cowardly and thug” individuals who attack property belonging to modest French people, often incapable of protecting their vehicles in private spaces.
Massive mobilization of law enforcement
To deal with this urban violence, 90,000 police officers and gendarmes were deployed throughout the territory during New Year's Eve. Bruno Retailleau called on his counterpart, Minister of Justice Gérald Darmanin, to get involved alongside them in “the battle against impunity”.
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