Paris Olympics kick off amid heightened security and 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 fright."
The ceremony inaugurating the games will begin on July 26, so there is little time left for preparations. French services have been put on the highest alert.
Every day, 35,000 officers will patrol the streets of the French capital, with even more 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 be the stage for 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. Recently, there have been a series of incidents in the city, raising legitimate concerns about the safety of athletes, tourists, and city residents.
Media: Paris has become a "city of fright"
– You can now call Paris the City of Fright – emphasizes the Canadian newspaper "Toronto Sun," writing about "terrorist threats."
According to "The Guardian," on Monday (July 22), 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 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 destabilization" during the games. Intelligence services intercepted a conversation during which the Russians stated that "the spectacle will not be in a stadium, instead taking place on Paris' famous River Seine."
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 operatives and other terrorist groups."
At the same time, authorities highlight cyber threats. The opening ceremony of the Paris Summer Olympics will begin on Friday.
