French needle attacks lead to charges

PARIS — Several suspects around France have been detained or given preliminary charges in recent days after people were pricked with a needle in nightclubs or at concerts.

Since January, 1,004 people have filed formal complaints with French authorities about such needle punctures, the French Interior Ministry official told The Associated Press.

In the cases so far that resulted in charges, medical tests did not reveal any signs of harmful substances, authorities said. The suspects have denied all allegations.

Authorities in Toulon arrested a 20-year-old man suspected of jabbing three women with a needle on the night of June 3-4, during the recording of a concert for TV. He was the first suspect given preliminary charges, for “aggravated violence with a weapon [a syringe] with premeditation.”

The prosecutor, Samuel Finielz, told The Associated Press that “the suspect denies all allegations and is still presumed innocent.” He remains in custody.

Later in in Six-Four-Les-Plages, police arrested two suspects who received preliminary charges for the suspected administration of a harmful substance on the night of June 10-11, the prosecutor said.

Syringes and injectable, prescription drugs were found in the apartment of one suspect. The man denied all allegations, arguing that the syringes and drugs belonged to his wife, who is a nurse, according to the prosecutor.

Another eight people were arrested on World Music Day after individuals reported being pricked with needles, according to the Interior Ministry. Some were later released.

At least one, in Nancy in eastern France, has been given preliminary charges on accusations that he jabbed at least two people.

The suspect, a homeless man identified as Damien J., had syringes in his belongings, Nancy Prosecutor Francois Perain said in a statement. He denied wrongdoing and told investigators the syringes were for his personal drug use, Perain said.