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Tens of Thousands Defy Warnings at Illegal Rave on French Military Site

Officials warned the former training ground holds unexploded shells after 150 years of military use.

Overview

  • T he unauthorized techno festival near Bourges drew tens of thousands on Saturday, with organizers claiming 35,000 to 40,000 people.
  • Authorities staffed the site with about 600 police officers and 45 firefighters to limit harm despite the event being illegal.
  • Police recorded more than 30 drug offenses and over 26 traffic violations, detained four people, and reported twelve minor injuries.
  • Explosives experts intervened after a grenade was found near a road, and officials told attendees to avoid nearby woods because of possible old munitions.
  • Many participants framed the gathering as a protest against tighter rules on illegal techno parties, with Bourges chosen for its link to Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez.