Wild stings phenomenon: Toulon prosecutor announces legal action for July 14

Several security measures have been taken by Toulon Public Prosecutor Samuel Finielz ahead of the July 14th event, which promises to be a busy day in the Toulon metropolitan area. These measures, the prosecutor's office explains, are "in line with the July 10th circular from the Minister of Justice on the handling of offenses likely to be committed during the July 14th festivities."

Police officers will thus have at their disposal the video surveillance services of the municipalities of the Toulon metropolitan area. They also have the possibility of obtaining authorization to use drones in order to collect evidence if certain crimes are observed. The mobilization of a medical expert is planned in the event of a phenomenon of "pricks" also called "syringe assault". [Editor's note: since the Fête de la Musique, calls have been made on social networks to prick women with a syringe and inject them with harmful substances. Several arrests took place in France on June 21, the Fête de la Musique].

Immediate consequences for troublemakers

Certain offenses committed may lead to police custody and swift prosecution through immediate appearances, a procedure allowing a defendant to be tried immediately upon leaving police custody. These include the possession, transportation, and use of fireworks, as well as the creation of masked or armed gatherings planning violence or damage.

According to the prosecutor, these are simple precautionary and preventive measures and emphasized that at the time of the publication of his press release this Sunday, there was no mention of "specific risks identified in the judicial district of the Toulon court."