French authorities are intensifying security measures ahead of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, conducting raids to eliminate potential threats. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin revealed that nearly 4,000 individuals, including those flagged for state security concerns, were removed from event areas.
Among the targeted individuals were those labeled as “Islamist radicalisation”, “ultra-left”, and “ultra-right”. Strict surveillance measures were imposed on 155 individuals, with 164 home visits conducted in connection with the upcoming games.
Darmanin emphasized the need to keep dangerous individuals away from the games through these measures, sparking debate on the infringement of liberties. Concerns were raised by lawyer Vincent Brengarth and individuals like Mahmoud, whose life was disrupted by house arrest and work suspension.
UK-based NGO Cage reported on the monitoring of over 5,100 Muslims in France, with claims of violent raids and tactics to instill fear within the community. Simultaneously, the accelerated dismantling of refugee and migrant camps highlighted social cleansing in Paris prior to the Olympics.
As tensions rise with the approach of the games, the balance between security measures and civil rights remains a contentious issue.