French police are investigating claims that a 25-year-old Australian woman raped in Paris just days before the city is set to host the Olympic Games. The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed that officers are looking into the alleged gang rape, which reportedly occurred on the night of July 19 to 20, 2024.
The incident allegedly took place in the early hours of Saturday morning in Montmartre, a well-known party area in Paris. Reports began circulating in French media on Monday that the Australian women raped in Paris. A police union spokesperson told the ABC that a distressed young Australian woman fled into a kebab shop on Boulevard de Clichy around 5 am. She did not speak French and provided limited details about the incident.
Investigation and Official Statements
The woman told investigators she had been raped by five men and was taken to a local hospital by first responders. As the Australian women raped in Paris, the team Australia’s chef de mission Anna Meare expressed concern and support for the woman stating that the team is focused on ensuring athlete safety. Meares emphasized the high security presence in Paris and advised athletes to avoid wearing team uniforms and to not venture out alone.
“our hearts go out to the woman involved and we hope she’s being cared for and supported in the trauma that she’s experienced”. “There’s not a lot of detail and information that’s come through, and what information we’re passing onto our athletes is that the security presence is really, really high in order for them to be able to act as quickly as possible and keep them safe,” Ms Meares said.
“We are encouraging them, if they go out of the Village, not to go out on their own, not to wear [the] team uniform, just to wear plain clothes, and we’re just waiting on further information on the actual case itself.”
A spokesperson from Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) stated that officials are ready to assist. The Australian embassy in Paris is urgently contacting French authorities for more information.
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Security Measures During the Olympics
The alleged attack comes as athletes and tourists from around the world arrive in Paris for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The first events are scheduled to start on Wednesday, with the opening ceremony taking place on Friday along the Seine River. The head of the Paris Olympics previously claimed that Paris would be the “safest place in the world” during the event. A significant security operation is in place, with up to 45,000 police officers and 10,000 soldiers deployed to ensure safety.
Anna Meares reiterated that the athletes have not reported feeling unsafe as the Australian women raped in Paris and that the team is closely monitoring the situation. The high security presence is intended to respond quickly to any threats. Although there have been no direct threats from militant groups, petty crime and violence remain concerns for the thousands of visitors expected in Paris for the Games.
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