Yardland organisers denounce police violence against two female visitors

Paris – 09/07/2026: On the sidelines of the Yardland music festival in Vincennes, organizers accuse the police of using disproportionate force against two female visitors. In a statement published on Instagram, the team reported that the women were allegedly pushed and injured during an entrance check without posing a threat. They are calling for clarification and an independent investigation into the course of operations at the entrance to the Paris-Vincennes Racecourse. The organizers also announced that they would offer the individuals concerned legal and psychological support.

The accounts quickly spread on social media and sparked debate about the festival’s security arrangements. According to consistent media reports, an increase in reserve police personnel was observed at the entrance check after additional checks were introduced. Details concerning the reason, timing, and specific measures vary according to the testimonies. For now, it has only been established that there was an altercation at the entrance; it is still unknown whether body cameras were active or whether secured video recordings exist.

Authorities have remained reserved for the time being. According to the French press, the Paris police prefecture stated that the circumstances would be examined. According to these reports, the IGPN, the police’s internal investigative body, has been informed. No specific details had been provided by Thursday regarding the units involved, possible disciplinary measures, or a confirmed medical assessment of the women’s injuries. It was also unknown whether complaints had already been filed.

Yardland had previously announced enhanced measures to protect festivalgoers. These include visible awareness teams, a reception point for those concerned, as well as collaborations with support organizations against harassment and sexual violence. Such arrangements have been widespread at major summer festivals in France since 2025 in order to quickly receive reports and support victims. The organizers stated that they were in contact with witnesses and collecting evidence to document the events.

From a legal standpoint, what happens next will depend on the ongoing checks. If complaints are filed, the public prosecutor’s office and the IGPN will decide on the next steps. Observers are calling for caution: only after examining testimonies, videos, and intervention reports will it be possible to determine whether service rules were violated. Authorities indicated that they would report the results after the initial checks were completed.