Olympics begin in Paris under cloud of fear and tight security

In Paris, final preparations are underway for the official start of the games. The Olympic competition is overshadowed by reports of recent events causing fear among Paris residents, tourists, and athletes. According to foreign media, the French capital has become a "city of fear."

The ceremony inaugurating the games will begin on July 26 at 7:30 PM EDT, so there is little time left for preparations. French services have been put on the highest alert.

Every day, 35,000 officers will patrol the streets of the French capital, with even more present at the opening ceremonies—up to 45,000. Additionally, the police and gendarmes will be supported by 10,000 soldiers and 21,000 security agents employed in the private sector.

Paris will be the stage for Olympic competitions for the first time in 100 years. However, as foreign media emphasize, what happens off the field and stadium may attract more attention. In recent days, there have been a series of incidents in the city, raising legitimate concerns about the safety of athletes, tourists, and city residents.

Now Paris can be called a "city of fear", emphasizes the Canadian newspaper "Toronto Sun," writing about "rapes, assaults, and terrorist threats."

On the night of July 19 to 20, near the famous Moulin Rouge, there was a gang rape of a 25-year-old tourist from Australia. The woman told police that she was attacked by "men of African appearance." The French police are investigating the case.

According to "The Guardian," on Monday (July 22), two employees of Nine Entertainment television were attacked and robbed. A group of about a dozen men took their backpacks with equipment. The station's sports director, Brent Williams, reminded their staff in Paris to remain vigilant.

There are more events that shocked Paris in recent days. As "Toronto Sun" reminds us, on Sunday, a 40-year-old Russian chef who had been living in France for 14 years was arrested.

The man is suspected of conspiring with a foreign power to conduct "large-scale destabilization" during the games. Intelligence services intercepted a conversation during which the Russian stated that "the French will have an opening ceremony unlike any they have ever had."

Israel's Foreign Minister warned the French of a possible terrorist attack inspired by Iran. Israel Katz wrote in a letter about a potential threat to Israeli athletes and tourists from "Iranian terrorist groups and other terrorist organizations."

At the same time, authorities highlight cyber threats. The opening ceremony of the Paris Summer Olympics will begin on Friday at 7:30 PM EDT.