EGN NEWS DESK
PARIS — French authorities foiled three plots to assault the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris and different cities that hosted the summer season occasions, the nationwide counterterrorism prosecutor stated on Wednesday.
Olivier Christen stated the plots included plans to assault “ Israeli establishments or representatives of Israel in Paris” through the July 26 to Aug. 11 Olympic competitors. The prosecutor advised broadcaster France Info that “the Israeli group itself was not particularly focused.” He didn’t give additional particulars.
In all, 5 folks, together with a minor, had been arrested on suspicion of involvement within the three foiled plots towards the Summer Games, which had been held towards the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas battle and Russia’s battle in Ukraine. The suspects are dealing with numerous terrorism-related prices whereas they continue to be in pre-trial detention, the prosecutor stated.
France was on its highest safety alert within the months forward of the Olympics and Paralympics, which wrapped up final week. During preparations for the Games, Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin repeatedly warned that safety threats included these from Islamic extremist teams, violent environmental activists, far-right teams and cyberattacks from Russia or different adversaries.
In May, members of the General Directorate of Internal Security arrested an 18-year-old man from Chechnya on suspicion of being behind a plan to assault Olympic soccer occasions that had been held within the southern metropolis of Saint-Etienne.
The deliberate assault was to focus on “bar-type institutions across the Geoffroy stadium,” the prosecutor stated. The suspect is accused of planning “a violent motion” on behalf of the Islamic State group’s jihadist ideology.
Jihadists threats dominated the foiled plots and 80% of authorized proceedings towards suspects embrace the extremist ideology that also influences France’s youth, the prosecutor stated. The Islamic State group continues to “unfold propaganda,” he added.
Preventive measures included elevated home searches and home arrests earlier than the beginning of the Olympics, the prosecutor stated, including that police and different safety personnel performed 936 home searches up to now in 2024, in comparison with 153 final 12 months.
