Yardland organizers complain of police violence against two female visitors

Paris – 09.07.2026: On the outskirts of the Yardland music festival in Vincennes, organizers accuse the police of disproportionate measures against two female visitors. In an Instagram post, the team described how the women were pushed and injured during an entrance check, although they posed no threat. They are demanding clarification and an independent investigation into the actions at the entrance to Hippodrome Paris-Vincennes. The organizers also announced that they would offer the affected individuals legal and psychological support.

The accounts spread quickly on social media and sparked discussion about the festival’s security concept. According to consistent media reports, there was an increased deployment of police units at the entrance after additional checks were introduced. Details regarding the cause, timing and specific measures differ across reports. So far, it is only known that an altercation occurred at the entrance; questions about whether police body cameras were switched on or whether recorded video footage exists remain open.

Authorities have so far refrained from commenting. According to French media, the Paris Police Prefecture stated that the circumstances are being reviewed. According to these reports, the IGPN, the police’s internal investigative body, has been informed. On Thursday, there was no specific information about the units involved, disciplinary measures or medically confirmed injuries to the women. It was also unknown whether criminal complaints had already been filed.

Yardland had previously announced expanded measures to protect visitors. These include visible awareness teams, a help point for affected individuals and cooperation with initiatives against sexual harassment and violence. Such structures have been common at major summer festivals in France since 2025 in order to quickly receive reports and support affected individuals. The organizers stated that they are in contact with witnesses and are collecting material to document the events.

Legally, further action depends on the ongoing reviews. If complaints are filed, the public prosecutor’s office and the IGPN will decide on the next steps. Observers are calling for thoroughness: only an examination of testimonies, videos and operation logs can clarify whether service instructions were violated. For the festival audience, the question of how to conduct entrance checks and meet security requirements in order to avoid disputed interventions is also relevant. The authorities promised to report the results after the initial reviews are completed.