Paris on high alert as Olympic Games approach amidst rising fears
In Paris, final preparations are underway for the official start of the games. The Olympic competition is overshadowed by reports of recent events causing fear among Paris residents, tourists, and athletes. According to foreign media, the French capital has become a "city of fear."
The ceremony inaugurating the games will begin on 26 July, so there is little time left for preparations. French services have been put on the highest alert.
Every day, 35,000 officers patrol the streets of the French capital, and even more are present at the opening ceremonies—up to 45,000. Additionally, the police and gendarmes will be supported by 10,000 soldiers and 21,000 security agents employed in the private sector.
Paris will host Olympic competitions for the first time in 100 years. However, as foreign media emphasize, what happens off the field and in the stadium may attract more attention. In recent days, a series of incidents have occurred in the city, raising legitimate concerns about the safety of athletes, tourists, and city residents.
Media: Paris has become a "city of fear"
– You can now call Paris "the City of Fright" – emphasises the Canadian newspaper "Toronto Sun," writing about rapes, assaults, and terrorist threats.
Let’s recall: on the night of 19 to 20 July, near the famous Moulin Rouge, there was a gang rape of a 25-year-old tourist from Australia. The woman told police that she was attacked by "men of African appearance." The French police are investigating the case.
According to "The Guardian," on Monday (22 July), two employees of Nine Entertainment television were attacked and robbed. A group of about a dozen men took their backpacks with equipment. The station's sports director, Brent Williams, reminded their staff in Paris to remain vigilant.
More events have shocked Paris in recent days. As "Toronto Sun" reminds us, on Sunday, a 40-year-old Russian chef who had been living in France for 14 years was arrested.
The man is suspected of conspiring with a foreign power to conduct "large-scale destabilisation" during the games. Intelligence services intercepted a conversation during which the Russians stated that the French would have an opening ceremony unlike any they have ever had.
Israel's Foreign Minister warned the French of a possible terrorist attack inspired by Iran. Israel Katz wrote in a letter about a potential threat to Israeli athletes and tourists from "Iranian terrorist groups and other terrorist organisations."
Authorities are also highlighting cyber threats. The Paris Summer Olympics opening ceremony will begin on Friday.
