France's interior minister said Saturday a judicial investigation has been opened to identify and prosecute organisers of an underground New Year’s Eve party that drew at least 2,500 people in western France despite a curfew amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Gerald Darmanin tweeted that actions by police around the site at Lieuron, in Brittany, "led to the end of the illegal party without violence" on Saturday morning, some 36 hours after it began.
He said more than 1,200 people have been fined for not respecting the curfew, not wearing a mask and illegally taking part in a gathering. Sound equipment and power generators have been confiscated, he added.
Ravers from France and abroad converged on a hangar in Lieuron on Thursday night to party into the New Year.
Officials said ravers attacked the police on the first night, torching one police vehicle and injuring officers with volleys of bottles and stones.
It said police were attacked when they tried to stop ravers from installing their party gear.
The party took place despite France's nationwide 8pm to 6am curfew aimed at dissuading people from gathering amid the pandemic.
Party-goers, however, appealed for understanding after months of nightlife-destroying lockdowns and curfews designed to limit coronavirus infections.
A volunteer with an aid group that was distributing masks, anti-virus gel and health advice inside the techno party said ravers needed to let loose.
He said ravers are trying to stay safe by not sharing joints or drinks.
Their group, Techno +, was advising party-goers to self-isolate for a week and then get tested after attending the rave.
The group also said the disused hangar was airy and well-ventilated.
France has reported more than 64,000 virus-related deaths since the start of the pandemic.
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