French authorities have raised preliminary terrorism charges against an 18-year-old man accused of plotting an attack on spectators at the upcoming Paris Olympics. French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin confirmed on Friday that this is the first thwarted plot targeting the Games, which are set to commence in eight weeks amid heightened security, news agency AP reported.
The suspect, who remains unidentified, allegedly planned a “violent action” inspired by the Islamic State group’s jihadist ideology, according to the national counterterrorism prosecutor’s office, AP’s report stated. He is currently being held in custody pending further investigation.
French Interior Minister Darmanin revealed that members of the General Directorate of Internal Security apprehended the 18-year-old from Chechnya on May 22. The suspect is accused of targeting the Geoffroy-Guichard stadium in Saint-Etienne, which is scheduled to host several soccer matches during the Summer Games. The planned attack aimed at both spectators and police forces, with the suspect reportedly seeking to “die and become a martyr”, the report mentioned.
The Paris Olympics, which will run from 26 July to 11 August, are set to draw millions of visitors. Soccer matches are slated to take place across various cities in France, culminating in the final at Paris’ Stade de France. The Games have placed the country on its highest security alert, with authorities wary of threats from Islamic extremist groups, violent environmental activists, far-right groups, and potential cyberattacks from adversaries, including Russia.
The Paris Olympics organising committee acknowledged the arrest and commended the efforts of intelligence and security services. “Security is the highest priority of Paris 2024. We are working daily in close coordination with the Interior Ministry and all stakeholders — and will continue to be fully mobilised,” it stated.
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Over 100 World Leaders Expected At Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony
Security concerns are particularly acute for the opening ceremony, which is expected to attract over 100 world leaders, AP reported. Initially planned as an open-air parade along the Seine River, involving boats carrying athletes, the ceremony’s scale has been progressively reduced due to security and logistical concerns. French President Emmanuel Macron has indicated that the ceremony could be relocated to the national stadium if the threat level remains high.
Earlier plans to accommodate up to 600,000 spectators have been halved to around 300,000, with free access to the opening ceremony restricted to invitation-only due to security issues. Enhanced security measures are also in place for the Olympic torch relay, which recently passed through the historic site of Mont-Saint-Michel, drawing thousands of tourists daily, according to AP.
