"145 Women Attacked While Enjoying Music"... France Shaken by Random 'Needle Attacks'

'Syringe Attacks' Targeting Women at French Music Festival
145 Victims Reported Amid Social Media Incitement

During a nationwide music festival held annually in France, 145 women reported being pricked by needles, prompting authorities to launch an investigation. Most of the victims are young women, who stated that they discovered injection marks on their legs, arms, or necks without realizing when it happened.

According to The New York Times (NYT) on the 23rd (local time), a series of "syringe attacks" targeting women occurred during the French music festival, which attracts millions of spectators. The French Ministry of the Interior announced that 12 people had been arrested in connection with the needle attacks. However, authorities did not disclose specific information about the suspects or what substances, if any, were contained in the syringes.

The New York Times (NYT) reported on the 23rd (local time) that 145 women filed complaints of being pricked by needles during a nationwide music festival held annually in France. This is a stock photo provided for article context and is unrelated to the content. Pixabay

Most of the victims are young women who claimed that, after attending the festival, they discovered injection marks on their legs, arms, or necks without their knowledge. Some of these women later experienced symptoms such as dizziness or nausea, while those without physical symptoms reported feelings of anxiety. Some victims were also transported to hospitals for toxicology tests.

According to local media such as Le Monde, before the festival, posts inciting syringe attacks against women had spread on social networking services (SNS). Experts pointed out that some of the reported cases may have been panic reactions triggered by these posts. In fact, a local newspaper reported that, in the case of one girl who claimed to have been pricked by a needle, examination suggested it was more likely a scratch mark.

Adam Winstock, a professor at University College London (UCL) who leads the international drug research organization Global Drug Survey, told NYT, "Just because someone felt a sharp sensation does not necessarily mean a drug was injected," and explained, "It is possible that people are spreading stories they have heard from others."