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Security Operation at the Paris Olympics: A Preview
A year ago, the head of the Paris Olympics, Tony Estanguet, boldly declared that France’s capital would be "the safest place in the world" when the Games open this Friday. The French government has invested heavily in securing the event, deploying a massive security operation that includes squadrons of police, fighter jets, soldiers, and metal-fence security barriers.
Challenges and Concerns
The Games face unprecedented security challenges, including repeated deadly extremist attacks in Paris, international tensions high due to the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, and the risk of attacks by lone individuals. The Olympic organizers have cyberattack concerns, while rights campaigners and Games critics are worried about Paris’ use of AI-equipped surveillance technology and the broad scope and scale of Olympic security.
The Security Operation
The security operation, dubbed "Sentinelle," involves up to 45,000 police and gendarmes, backed by 10,000 soldiers. Armed military patrols have become common in crowded places in France since the 2015 terrorist attacks. The security team will also be supported by RAF fighter jets, AWACS surveillance flights, Reaper surveillance drones, helicopters with sharpshooters, and equipment to disable drones. A no-fly zone will be implemented during the opening ceremony, extending 150 kilometers around the capital.
Background Checks and Exclusions
Hundreds of thousands of background checks have been conducted on Olympic ticket-holders, workers, and others involved in the Games. The checks have resulted in the exclusion of over 3,900 individuals, including those suspected of Islamic radicalization, left- or right-wing political extremism, significant criminal records, and other security concerns. Russian and Belorussian citizens are being particularly scrutinized, although the Interior Minister has stopped short of linking exclusions to the conflict in Ukraine and Belarus’ role as an ally of Moscow.
Assassination Attempt Highlights Olympic Risks
The recent assassination attempt against Donald Trump highlights the risk of attacks by lone individuals. Some involved in the Olympic security operation have expressed concern about the ease with which the gunman got within range of the former U.S. president.
Intrusive Surveillance and Privacy Concerns
Campaigners for digital rights are worried that Olympic surveillance cameras and AI systems could erode privacy and other freedoms. Saccage 2024, a group that has campaigned against the Paris Games, has described the security measures as a "repressive arsenal" and has raised concerns about the long-term impact on the city and its residents.
Conclusion
The security operation at the Paris Olympics is a massive undertaking that will involve thousands of police and military personnel, as well as cutting-edge technology and infrastructure. While the measures are intended to ensure the safety of athletes and visitors, they have also raised concerns about privacy and the scope of the security operation. As the Games unfold, it remains to be seen whether the efforts of the French authorities will be sufficient to guarantee the safety of all involved.
FAQs
Q: What is the scope of the security operation at the Paris Olympics?
A: The security operation, dubbed "Sentinelle," involves up to 45,000 police and gendarmes, backed by 10,000 soldiers, as well as RAF fighter jets, AWACS surveillance flights, Reaper surveillance drones, helicopters with sharpshooters, and equipment to disable drones.
Q: What are the security concerns surrounding the Olympics?
A: The Games face unprecedented security challenges, including repeated deadly extremist attacks in Paris, international tensions high due to the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, and the risk of attacks by lone individuals.
Q: How will the security team ensure the safety of athletes and visitors?
A: The security team will conduct thorough background checks on all ticket-holders, workers, and others involved in the Games, and will implement a range of measures to prevent and respond to potential security threats, including the deployment of armed military patrols, surveillance cameras, and AI systems.
Q: What are the concerns about privacy and the scope of the security operation?
A: Campaigners for digital rights are worried that Olympic surveillance cameras and AI systems could erode privacy and other freedoms. Saccage 2024, a group that has campaigned against the Paris Games, has described the security measures as a "repressive arsenal" and has raised concerns about the long-term impact on the city and its residents.
