French Culture Minister Catherine Pégard to Tighten Sanctions After Barbara Butch Concert Disruption

On 31 July 2026, French Minister of Culture Catherine Pégard announced the preparation of two inter‑ministerial circulars, to be co‑signed by the Interior and Justice ministries, aimed at strengthening the enforcement of the 2016 law that criminalises obstruction of artistic performances. The move follows the 18 July interruption of DJ Barbara Butch’s concert in Grenoble, where pro‑Palestinian activists and members of La France Insoumise threw glass bottles and other projectiles at the stage. Barbara Butch has filed several complaints, including one against La France Insoumise. The government says the measures will reaffirm the rule of law and protect freedom of creation across the territory.