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Man Arrested in Connection with Suspected Vandalism of French Railways

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An “ultra-left militant” was arrested in north-west France on Sunday after exhibiting suspicious behavior near a railway site, according to police sources cited by French media. When officers searched the man’s vehicle, they discovered keys to technical facilities, pliers, a set of universal keys, and literature associated with the ultra-left. The 28-year-old suspect is currently being interrogated by police in Rouen.

There are no indications that the man is connected to the suspected coordinated arson attacks on railway lines that occurred on Friday, just before the opening ceremony for the Paris Olympic Games. These acts of sabotage disrupted high-speed TGV services to and from Paris and significantly affected travel across France.

On Monday morning, France’s Minister of the Interior, Gerald Darmanin, stated that authorities had identified “a number of profiles of individuals” who could be behind these deliberate and targeted acts of sabotage. He noted that the methods used were characteristic of the ultra-left and suggested there may be a political motive behind the actions. “The question is whether they were manipulated or acting on their own,” Mr. Darmanin said, emphasizing that investigators were making good progress in identifying those responsible.

While he did not confirm any ties between the saboteurs and France’s national rail operator, SNCF, Mr. Darmanin pointed out that the locations of the arson attacks were “extremely specific.” He remarked that the attacks were well-planned, targeting three major lines.

Mr. Darmanin also reported that approximately 50 individuals had been arrested in connection with the Olympics, alongside others—estimated to be around 150—who intended to carry out acts of sabotage or radical protests during the early events of the Games. In addition to the train line damage, French media reported that fiber optic cables had been cut in six locations across France from Sunday into Monday, causing some isolated outages.

At this time, it remains unclear whether there is any connection between the vandalism of the telecoms infrastructure and the recent sabotage of the rail network, which impacted around 250,000 passengers on Friday and many more over the weekend. No group has claimed responsibility for either incident, although a security source suggested that the arson attacks resembled tactics used by the extreme left.

Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete announced on Monday that train services had returned to normal after teams worked tirelessly over the weekend to repair the damage. He mentioned that significant resources, including drones and police helicopters, were deployed to enhance the security of France’s extensive railway network. Mr. Vergriete estimated that the acts of sabotage could cost several million euros.

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Convicted Rapist Van de Velde Faces Booing at Olympic Debut

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Convicted child rapist Steven van de Velde made his Olympic beach volleyball debut in Paris, receiving mixed reactions from the crowd, including audible boos. Sentenced to four years in prison in 2016 for raping a 12-year-old British girl, Van de Velde and his partner Matthew Immers, currently ranked 10th in the world, lost 2-1 to Italy’s Alex Ranghieri and Adrian Carambula, ranked 25th, at the Eiffel Tower Stadium.

As they entered the arena, the pair received a combination of cheers and boos, and when Van de Velde was announced individually, the crowd again expressed a mix of applause and disapproval. The Dutch duo is scheduled to play again on July 31 against Chile’s Marco and Esteban Grimalt.

An online petition demanding Van de Velde’s ban from the Olympics garnered 90,000 signatures before his first match, and various women’s and safeguarding groups have criticized his inclusion in the Dutch team. Many fans voiced their opposition, with some arguing that his presence contradicts the spirit of the Olympics, while others suggested that a different athlete should have been chosen.

However, some supporters, including a Dutch fan, argued that Van de Velde deserves a chance to compete since he has served his sentence. Immers defended his partner, stating that they had worked hard to qualify for the Olympics and wanted to enjoy the experience.

Van de Velde is not staying in the Olympic village and will not participate in post-match media. Extra security was provided for him during his arrival in Paris. He has expressed regret over his past actions, referring to them as the biggest mistake of his life.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has clarified that the responsibility for athlete selection lies with individual national committees. Van de Velde returned to play in 2017 after completing a specialist treatment program and meeting guidelines set by the Dutch Volleyball Federation (NeVoBo). The Dutch Olympic Committee (NOC) stated that he has fulfilled all necessary assessments and shown no risk of reoffending. They also noted that Van de Velde has been transparent about his past and has sought professional counseling.

Mark Adams, an IOC spokesperson, acknowledged the discomfort surrounding Van de Velde’s inclusion but emphasized that the decision was made by the NOC. Analysis from BBC Sports News correspondent Laura Scott highlighted the significant controversy surrounding Van de Velde’s selection, noting that while some fans were unaware of his past, most international fans expressed strong opposition to his participation, whereas Dutch fans tended to be more supportive or hesitant to discuss the topic.

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France Cancels Train Services Amid Ongoing Search for Vandals

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On Saturday, three out of ten French high-speed trains will be cancelled due to a series of coordinated arson attacks that have disrupted rail services. French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal announced that security forces are actively searching for the “saboteurs” responsible for the chaos, which comes just ahead of the Olympic Games. The national rail company, SNCF, reported that the trains that do operate on Saturday will face delays of up to two hours on major routes in and out of Paris, with approximately a quarter of Eurostar services also being cancelled. France’s transport minister indicated that services should return to normal by Monday morning.

No one has claimed responsibility for the attacks, according to SNCF. The company mentioned that its staff worked overnight in challenging conditions to repair the damage caused by the vandalism, which targeted cabling boxes at junctions on the North, Brittany, and South-West lines just hours before the Olympic opening ceremony was set to begin in Paris. Saboteurs reportedly cut and set fire to specialized fiber optic cables critical for the rail network’s safe operation, with sources in the investigation suggesting the attacks were “well-prepared” and organized by a single group.

Rail workers successfully prevented an attempt to damage safety equipment on a fourth line. SNCF warned that traffic will remain disrupted on Sunday for the North axis, while conditions should improve on the Atlantic axis for weekend returns. The company estimates that around 250,000 passengers were affected on Friday, with junior transport minister Patrice Vergriete suggesting that up to 800,000 could be impacted over the weekend. Eurostar, which operates international services from London to Paris and relies on a high-speed line in France, announced that one in four of its trains would not run during the weekend. Passengers have been advised to postpone their travels, with disruptions anticipated to last until Monday. Among those affected on Friday was Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who had intended to take the train to the Games’ opening ceremony but had to fly instead.

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Paris 2024: A Dazzling Opening Ceremony on the Seine

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The 2024 Olympics opened in Paris with a stunning and innovative ceremony, marking the first time athletes paraded along the River Seine instead of in a stadium. The nearly four-hour spectacle featured 6,800 athletes from 205 delegations sailing on 85 boats, passing iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. The event culminated in a dramatic moment as French judo champion Teddy Riner and sprinter Marie-Jose Perec lit a cauldron shaped like a hot air balloon, which soared into the Parisian sky.

Despite heavy rain and earlier disruptions caused by arson attacks on the French train network, the ceremony unfolded with vibrant performances. Among the highlights were US singer Lady Gaga, who delivered a cabaret act, and Celine Dion, who made an emotional return to the stage. The artistic direction, led by Thomas Jolly, brought to life a narrative celebrating French history, art, and sport, with contributions from approximately 2,000 musicians and dancers.

The last two boats to parade were the US team, the next hosts for the 2028 Olympics, and the French delegation, which had the largest number of athletes onboard. Great Britain was represented by flagbearers Helen Glover and Tom Daley. IOC President Thomas Bach addressed the athletes, emphasizing the Olympics as a unifying event amid global tensions and conflicts.

Over 10,500 athletes will compete in 32 sports throughout the Games, which run until August 11. The ceremony’s visual spectacle included fireworks in the colors of the French flag and featured various artistic segments, from ballet to performances inspired by French culture. Celine Dion thrilled the crowd with a rendition of Edith Piaf’s “L’Hymne à l’amour,” marking her first performance since revealing a serious health condition.

Despite some minor gaffes, such as confusing South Korea with North Korea, the ceremony was a remarkable celebration of sport and unity, setting the stage for the upcoming competitions.

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French high-speed rail sabotaged before Olympic ceremony

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French rail company SNCF has reported that at least 250,000 passengers will be affected by what Prime Minister Gabriel Attal has called “acts of sabotage.” These disruptions were caused by a series of fires early Friday morning, just hours before the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics.

Several high-speed TGV lines heading west, north, and east of Paris have been impacted, and Eurostar has warned customers of potential delays and cancellations. No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks, and Mr. Attal stated that security forces are actively searching for the perpetrators, while the public prosecutor’s office is conducting an investigation.

According to Mr. Attal, these “prepared and coordinated” acts of sabotage targeted SNCF installations. The company described the fires as a “massive attack” involving “malicious acts,” and workers are currently repairing the damaged cables manually. SNCF anticipates that up to 800,000 people could be affected over the weekend due to the disruptions.

SNCF’s head, Christophe Fanichet, assured that efforts are being made to minimize disruptions and that affected travelers would be reimbursed. He advised people not to go to the stations unless they have been informed that their trains are operational. Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete indicated that all evidence points to these being arson attacks, noting that they occurred simultaneously, and vans were found at the scene from which individuals had fled. Flammable materials were also discovered.

Three major TGV routes connecting Paris with cities like Lille, Bordeaux, and Strasbourg were targeted, while authorities prevented a fourth attack on the Paris-Marseille line. Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra condemned the attacks as “downright appalling” and highlighted the potential impact on the public and Olympic athletes.

Paris 2024, the organizing committee for the Olympic Games, is currently assessing the situation and collaborating with SNCF. The rail company has reported severe disruptions, with Eurostar and other high-speed services being diverted, causing ripple effects on other routes. Eurostar announced it would be cancelling one in four of its services on Friday, with similar disruptions expected over the weekend and potentially lasting until Monday morning.

Megan Murphy, a passenger traveling from London, reported her Eurostar train was delayed by 90 minutes and made a brief stop in Lille to switch tracks. Germany’s Deutsche Bahn has also warned of disruptions to its long-distance rail network and advised passengers to check their travel plans.

SNCF is already on site to investigate the damage and begin repairs, though they caution that the situation could extend throughout the weekend and beyond. Mr. Farrandou lamented that this disruption ruins what should have been a festive holiday period and a celebratory day for the Olympics.

This incident occurs amid a heightened security operation in Paris, involving tens of thousands of troops and police aimed at protecting the global sporting event. French authorities have vowed to locate and punish those responsible for these “criminal acts.” A security source suggested that the sabotage might be linked to extreme left groups, although no direct Russian connection has been established. Earlier this week, a Russian man was arrested on suspicion of being involved in a destabilization plot against the Games, but France has not connected him to the rail sabotage. Despite Russia’s ban from the Olympics, some of its athletes are still competing as neutrals.

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Paris Prepares for Its First Olympics in a Century

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The Paris Olympics, with the motto “Games Wide Open,” officially begin on Friday with a historic opening ceremony featuring a 6km procession along the River Seine, accommodating 300,000 spectators. This marks the first time in a century that Paris has hosted the summer Games, showcasing events in and around the city’s iconic landmarks.

The artistic director, Thomas Jolly, aims to highlight France’s diversity, with speculation surrounding performances by stars like Celine Dion and Lady Gaga. The Games will also achieve gender parity for the first time, with equal participation from 5,250 male and 5,250 female athletes.

Despite the excitement, concerns linger over overcrowding, inflation, and transportation challenges. A major security presence, including 5,000 police and soldiers, will be deployed to ensure safety. Local businesses along the Seine have expressed frustrations due to restrictions, though authorities assure that barriers will be removed post-ceremony.

The anticipated cost for the Games is around 9 billion euros, with organizers pledging to make it the greenest Olympics yet. While only two new venues have been built, iconic locations such as the Stade de France and Roland Garros will host various events.

One of the primary concerns leading up to the Games was the water quality of the Seine, particularly for swimming events. Regular testing will ensure safety after a century-long ban on swimming in the river.

The opening ceremony will be a groundbreaking event, taking place outside a traditional stadium. It will feature a parade of nations and culminate in the lighting of the Olympic cauldron. The event will be broadcast live, marking an exciting start to the Games, with some events already underway, including men’s rugby and football.

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Olympic Village Faces Food Shortages Amid High Demand

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Reports indicate that several athletes have raised concerns about a shortage of food at the Olympic Village in Paris. Complaints have centered on a perceived lack of availability of specific items, such as eggs, which were rationed at breakfast on Wednesday, and grilled meats, as noted by the French newspaper L’Équipe.

Sodexo Live!, the official catering partner for the Olympic Village, acknowledged the “very high demand” for certain food items and assured that “volumes will be increased” to meet the athletes’ needs. The Olympic Village is scheduled to serve around 13 million meals throughout the Games, with a daily total of 40,000 meals.

The Carrefour group, responsible for supplying fresh produce to the Olympic Village, confirmed that the quantities of food planned will be revised upwards to accommodate the high demand. Feeding approximately 15,000 athletes from 208 countries is a massive undertaking, with the total meals served over the 30 days of the Olympics and Paralympics equating to what is provided at 10 football World Cups.

The Olympic Village features six main dining areas offering French, Asian, Afro-Caribbean, and global cuisine, with 500 different recipes to suit various tastes. The food service is governed by a strict quality charter designed to halve the carbon footprint of meals compared to London 2012. To achieve this, a quarter of all ingredients are sourced from within a 250km radius of Paris, 20% are certified organic, and all meat, milk, and eggs are from French sources. Additionally, a third of the food is plant-based. The Village also has 200 water, juice, and soda fountains, with only reusable cups and crockery being used.

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With the Olympics Approaching, Paris Deploys 75,000 Troops Across the City

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A crowd of disappointed tourists gazed longingly through the metal fences lining the River Seine. Beyond them, Notre Dame Cathedral and other Parisian landmarks were tantalizingly out of reach.

A Mexican woman in the group lamented, “We don’t have a code,” as she watched others with the necessary QR security code pass through a police checkpoint with a reassuring beep. Nearby, a weary couple, burdened with large suitcases, turned around slowly on a crowded sidewalk after being told by a French gendarme that they needed to find another route.

As Paris prepares to debut its unique Olympic opening ceremony—a river-based event featuring athletes paraded on ornate barges through the heart of the city—the country’s security forces are finalizing an unprecedented operation.

President Emmanuel Macron, undeterred by recent political upheavals following his controversial decision to dissolve the French parliament, declared, “We are ready.” This massive security effort is the largest peacetime deployment in French history, involving up to 75,000 police, soldiers, and private guards stationed across Paris at any time.

Roads and metro stations are closed, and around 44,000 barriers have been set up. An intricate QR code system has been established for residents and others seeking access to the Seine and its islands.

Teething problems and frustrations are evident in a city usually bustling with unrestricted tourists. “I’m a bit concerned. It’s never been so quiet. Most of my clients are gone,” said Omar Benabdallah, a 25-year-old waiter observing the vacant tables on the Île de la Cité.

French authorities assure that the disruptions will be short-lived, with many barriers to be removed after the ceremony, promising a spectacular show celebrating Paris’s history and beauty.

Gen Lionel Catar, responsible for coordinating 5,500 French troops, acknowledged the scale of the operation but noted it builds on France’s existing Opération Sentinelle, which was established in response to past terrorist attacks. The security includes demining teams, canine units, anti-drone systems, radars, and divers patrolling the Seine.

Following advice from UK police based on their experience with the 2012 London Olympics, the operational headquarters was moved to the École Militaire near the Eiffel Tower for closer proximity to key figures and resources.

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Macron Delays New Government Appointment Until After Paris Olympics

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French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that he will postpone naming a new government until after the Paris Olympics conclude on August 11. This decision follows a proposal from the New Popular Front (NFP), a left-wing coalition that emerged as the largest group in France’s parliament after recent elections. The NFP has put forward Lucie Castets, a relatively unknown civil servant, as their candidate for prime minister.

Macron stated that appointing a new prime minister before mid-August would “create disorder” amid the ongoing Olympics, which start with an opening ceremony in central Paris on Friday. The left-wing coalition has criticized Macron’s delay, accusing him of undermining the outcome of the recent legislative elections.

Macron had previously accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Gabriel Attal due to significant losses for their centrist party in the elections. Attal and his team are continuing in a caretaker role until a new government is formed.

In France, the president is expected to appoint a prime minister who can secure a majority in the National Assembly. Currently, no single party holds a majority, but the NFP, with at least 182 of 577 seats, is in a strong position. The NFP’s choice, Lucie Castets, a 37-year-old economist with a background in finance and public services rather than politics, was presented just before Macron’s scheduled television interview.

Macron emphasized that the key issue is not the specific nominee but the formation of a majority in the Assembly. He plans to appoint a prime minister with the widest possible support. The delay has provoked a strong reaction from NFP members, who accuse Macron of attempting to disregard the results of the elections and deny the will of the people.

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Police Probe Alleged Gang Rape of Australian Woman in Paris

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French police are investigating a reported gang rape involving an Australian woman in central Paris. The 25-year-old sought refuge in a kebab shop in the Pigalle district early Saturday morning, with her dress partially torn. Local media indicated that no arrests have been made so far, but prosecutors confirmed the case is being treated as a gang rape.

The incident occurred just days before the 2024 Olympics are set to begin in Paris. According to French newspaper Le Parisien, restaurant staff called for assistance upon seeing the woman’s condition. Firefighters attended to her, and she was later taken to Bichat hospital for medical examination. The Paris Prosecutor’s Office stated that police are investigating the allegations and reviewing CCTV footage.

The investigation into the alleged gang rape, which is believed to have occurred between the night of July 19 and 20, has been assigned to the second judicial police district. With the Olympics starting on Friday, Paris is experiencing a heightened police presence to ensure public safety. Security measures include increased patrols, armed guards around the River Seine, and designated security zones requiring special passes to enter, including areas around the Eiffel Tower.

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