French police have arrested a Russian national suspected of planning to destabilize the Paris 2024 Olympics.
According to a statement from French authorities on July 23, the suspect, born in 1984, was detained in Paris for “organizing activities capable of causing disturbances during the Olympics.” The police raided the suspect’s residence at the request of the French Ministry of the Interior and discovered substantial evidence indicating a plot to sabotage the Olympics.
French authorities have not disclosed detailed information about the plot but confirmed it is not related to terrorism. As a result, specialized counter-terrorism forces were not deployed.
A French police officer maintaining order ahead of the 2024 Olympics. Image: Reuters
A source, who wished to remain anonymous, told AFP, “The suspect was passing intelligence to a foreign entity to incite hostility in France during the Olympics.” If convicted, the suspect could face up to 30 years in prison.
In anticipation of the Paris 2024 Olympics, France has significantly tightened security measures. French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin stated that authorities have screened over one million individuals, including athletes, coaches, journalists, volunteers, security personnel, and even local residents. Access badges to Olympic venues have been denied to 4,360 individuals, including 880 suspected of links to foreign political organizations.
In recent months, several incidents have alarmed the public in France. Officials suspect that foreign groups are behind these incidents, aiming to sow division within French society concerning the situations in Ukraine and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The latest arrest highlights the ongoing tensions and security challenges as the country prepares to host the prestigious global event. Minister Darmanin emphasized that ensuring the safety of all participants and visitors is a top priority. With millions of people expected to attend, authorities are on high alert to prevent any potential threats from disrupting the Olympics.
