According to our information, the mayor of Venette Romuald Seels spent forty-eight hours police custody At police station of Compiègne. He is said to have, recently at the wheel of his van, brandished an alarm gun in front of travelers who threatened him as they approached his window.
The altercation apparently started on a public highway. The mayor of Venette would have wanted to intervene to prevent Travelers from driving dangerously in town. Considering himself threatened, the individual from the Traveler community filed a complaint against the mayor.
Contacted, the prosecution “does not confirm anything” but indicates that a press release will be issued in the afternoon. Also contacted, the mayor of Venette did not respond.
Romuald Seels is sometimes critical of users of Traveler reception areas
Within the Agglo de Compiègne, Romuald Seels has sometimes been critical of users of the Jaux Travelers area.
In November 2023, during the Agglo councilthe vice-president of the ARC had approved the strengthening of sanctions concerning damage to the Traveler reception area. “I am factual,” declared the mayor of Venette. We’re throwing in a lot of money for not much. Go visit this area where the Agglo invests a lot of money each year for its maintenance and operation (water and electricity supply). This area is in a pitiful state, at least 50%.”
