Teen Charged with Preliminary Terrorism Offenses Over Alleged Paris Olympics Attack Plot

Post by: Elena Malik

French authorities on Friday raised preliminary terrorism charges against an 18-year-old accused of plotting an attack targeting spectators at the upcoming Paris Olympics. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin confirmed this was the first thwarted plot specifically aimed at the Games, which are set to begin in eight weeks. France is currently on its highest threat alert level in preparation for the event.

The accused, who remains unidentified, is alleged to have planned a "violent action" inspired by the jihadist ideology of the Islamic State group, according to a statement from the national counterterrorism prosecutor's office. The individual is currently held in custody pending further investigation.

Interior Minister Darmanin revealed that members of the General Directorate of Internal Security (DGSI) arrested the 18-year-old Chechen man on May 22. He was suspected of planning an attack on soccer events in Saint-Etienne, a city in southern France, which will host several matches during the Summer Games.

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Initial investigations indicated that the suspect was preparing an attack on the Geoffroy-Guichard stadium, targeting spectators and police forces. The man reportedly intended to carry out the attack to die as a martyr, reflecting his extremist beliefs.

France is on high alert as it prepares for the Paris Olympics and Paralympics, expecting millions of visitors between July 26 and August 11. Soccer matches will occur in various cities across France, with the final scheduled at Paris' Stade de France.

Minister Darmanin highlighted multiple potential threats, including those from Islamic extremist groups, violent environmental activists, far-right groups, and cyberattacks from Russia or other adversaries. However, he did not specify any direct threat to the soccer events.

The Paris Olympics organizing committee acknowledged the arrest and commended the intelligence and security services. They emphasized that security remains the highest priority and that they continue to work closely with the Interior Ministry and other stakeholders to ensure the Games' safety.

Security concerns are particularly heightened for the unique opening ceremony, which will feature athletes on boats parading along the Seine River, watched by large crowds on the embankments. This exceptional event will attract over 100 world leaders to the French capital.

In April, French President Emmanuel Macron mentioned that the opening ceremony could be relocated to the country's national stadium if the security threat is deemed too high. Originally planned to host up to 600,000 people, most of whom would watch from the riverbanks for free, the number of spectators has been reduced to around 300,000 due to security and logistical concerns.

Furthermore, the French government decided that tourists would not have free access to watch the opening ceremony because of security concerns. Instead, free access will be by invitation only.

Extra security measures are also in place for the Olympic torch relay, which on Friday passed through the monastery outcropping of Mont-Saint-Michel, a site that attracts thousands of tourists daily.

The situation underscores the critical focus on security as France prepares to host one of the world's most high-profile sporting events amidst ongoing threats and challenges.

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