“Safety is our priority” has been the mantra of Paris 2024 chief Tony Estanguet when he has talked about the upcoming Olympic Games. Just over a year ago, he stated that Paris would be the “safest place in the world” during the Olympics. If this is true, only time will tell, but if you look at the security measures that have been put into effect, you can at least argue that they take security seriously. Large forces France plans to have a force of 35,000 police officers to patrol the region every day during the Games. During the opening ceremony along the Seine, they add another 10,000. The security forces in Paris are using drones to monitor the area. Photo: Aurelien Morissard / AP In addition to the French police forces, a group of over 40 countries has sent a total of around 1,900 police officers to Paris, including Norway. This is the first time Norwegian police are assisting in a joint operation outside the Nordic region. The French military will also deploy 10,000 soldiers, and as a small bonus 20,000 private security guards have been hired. – There are lots of police and military. Nevertheless, we are not really safe from any threats. But at home it’s fine, says Marguerite (84), who lives on Ile St Louis, an island in the middle of the Seine. Marguerite is going to watch the opening ceremony at home. Photo: Simen Ekern / news The terrorist threat France has long been a vulnerable target for both domestic and foreign terrorist threats, so when the capital is expected to receive several million visitors, it is natural that security is stepped up sharply. One of the measures is that people must show a QR code to the security forces to gain access to certain places around the city. If you don’t have a QR code to show, you won’t get very far. Photo: Fabrizio Bensch / Reuters Silvia lives right by the Seine, and she thinks the measures are necessary. She has become accustomed to showing QR codes to the guards to get home. – We have already had assassinations here, with many killed. So, it’s better to have too much than too little. I personally feel safe with all these police officers, she says. When she looks back at previous attacks in Paris, she thinks that the extensive security measures around the Paris Olympics are necessary. Photo: Simen Ekern / news In 2015, Paris experienced the worst terrorist attack on French soil, where 130 lost their lives after a coordinated attack carried out by IS against several targets around the city. That a similar situation should arise at a time when there are so many gathered in the capital is of course a concern for many. After IS attacked a concert hall outside Moscow earlier this year, they have urged followers to “recreate the glory” that unfolded in Paris in November 2015. Another who mentions the terrorist attack is Monique. – People are a little traumatized in Paris, you have to admit that. The possibility of being attacked is always in the back of your mind. – France is well equipped to deal with military challenges in other countries, so the only thing missing is that they can ensure security in Paris, says Monique about the security measures. Photo: Simen Ekern / news Russian disinformation Another real threat is Russian espionage and cyber warfare. As recently as Wednesday, a Russian chef was arrested on suspicion of planning destabilizing actions during the Olympics. French prosecutors say a document was discovered linking the Russian to the Russian security service FSB. According to Gérald Darmanin, France’s interior minister, this chef is one of several Russian citizens who have been arrested recently. Many have been arrested for trying to spread disinformation ahead of the Games. – I was a little girl during the war. But there was nothing against now. I’m more scared now. Mr. Putin … that is terrible, says Marguerite. The guard around the Seine is equipped with radio signal jammers, which can take out drones in the air. Photo: Aurelien Morissard / AP Critical infrastructure and systems are also at risk of being affected by cyber attacks. Although it wasn’t an attack, the Crowdstrike collapse stands as a shining example of how a cyber attack can potentially degenerate. Internal unrest The French are also no strangers to the occasional demonstration. The domestic political situation in the country has recently been tense. The country just finished a much-discussed parliamentary election, where the left-wing alliance New People’s Front (NFP) won the most seats. A new prime minister has not yet been named by President Macron, and it will most likely not be done until after the Olympics. Because of this, the leader of one of the leading trade unions in France has threatened protests and strikes during the Games, unless Macron installs the NFP’s prime ministerial candidate. This will be as close as Edwin and the family will get to Notre-Dame. – We would like to get closer, but we understand that it is necessary for the safety of the residents here and the spectators, says Edwin Photo: Simen Ekern / news There have also been reports of demonstrations directed at Israel and their performers. Israeli athletes will be the only ones taking part in this year’s Olympics to receive round-the-clock police protection, due to fears of reactions as a result of the Israel-Palestine conflict. Others, on the other hand, are more concerned with population pressure in the city. Edwin from the Netherlands is on holiday with his wife and two daughters, and they report that they are more worried about overcrowding and the number of tourists than they are about terrorist attacks, and the like. – We are not afraid at all, assures Edwin. Published 25/07/2024, at 18.17 Updated 25.07.2024, at 18.23
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Enormous security forces in Paris before the Olympics – to counter terrorism – news Urix – Foreign news and documentaries
