Paris security perimeter to be set week before Olympics begin
In anticipation of the Paris 2024 Olympics, the city's police chief announced a significant security initiative. For the upcoming Olympics in Paris, an extensive security perimeter will be implemented along the Seine, starting eight days before the opening ceremony on July 26, 2024. This decision is part of a broader effort to ensure the safety and smooth operation of what is anticipated to be an unparalleled opening event. The introduction of this security zone is expected to lead to a substantial reorganization of the city's daily routines, affecting approximately 220,000 residents and workers in the Seine area. Authorities have detailed that access within this perimeter will be strictly controlled, with every individual seeking entry subject to thorough investigation and required to obtain police authorization. France aims to revolutionize the Olympic opening ceremony format by hosting it outdoors along a six-kilometer stretch of the Seine River, a spectacle designed to entertain an estimated 320,000 spectators divided between the upper and lower banks. This initiative, while ambitious, has heightened concerns over potential security risks, given Paris's history with terrorism. The preparatory measures include extensive security checks of properties with views over the Seine, significant limitations on mobility including the closure of metro stations and roads, and stringent stop-and-search operations for both individuals and vehicles. The city's police chief has cautioned that these security arrangements will effectively divide Paris, underscoring the rigorous efforts to ensure that the event unfolds without incident, aiming to create an unforgettable experience for participants and viewers around the world.