Channel Nine staff viciously attacked on streets of Paris
In a troubling incident that raises serious concerns over safety at the Paris Olympics, two radio technicians from Channel Nine's Olympic team were attacked on Tuesday evening in an apparent attempted robbery. This attack occurred just days after the alleged gang rape of a 25-year-old Australian woman in the French capital, highlighting escalating security risks as the Games approach.
Channel Nine’s Director of Sport, Brent Williams (pictured above), informed staff that the two technicians had left the International Broadcast Centre and were walking to their accommodation in the north-eastern suburb of Le Bourget when they were assaulted by a group of men.
Describing the incident as "an assault of a serious physical nature", Williams confirmed that the victims managed to escape and find safety. The incident has been reported to the police.
In light of this attack, Nine has reminded its staff to stay vigilant and to remove their Olympic credentials when not required, especially when travelling. Broadcasters have been warned by security experts that despite increased military and police presence in the capital, criminals may still target those they perceive as vulnerable.
This incident follows another harrowing event involving an Australian citizen. The Paris prosecutor's office has confirmed an investigation into the alleged gang rape of a 25-year-old Australian woman, which occurred on the night of July 19 to 20. The woman sought refuge in a café in the 18th arrondissement. French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin has stated that while the investigation is a matter for the police, he is closely monitoring developments.
Darmanin has also issued a handwritten letter to all police officers, gendarmes, firefighters, emergency service personnel and intelligence agents, acknowledging the difficulty of their task.
“The eyes of the world will be fixed on you," Darmanin wrote. "Your task will not be easy", urging them after four years of intense presentation to “present the most beautiful face of France”.
The French authorities have deployed 35,000 police and gendarmes, with plans to increase this number to 45,000 for the opening ceremony. Additionally, 18,000 soldiers are on standby to counter potential threats, with an Islamist terror attack being the primary concern for organisers.
As preparations continue, authorities are under immense pressure to safeguard the Games and mitigate the risks posed by criminal activities and potential terrorist threats. The world will be watching as Paris strives to balance the celebration of athletic achievement with the paramount need for security.
Image: Richard Ellis/UPI/Shutterstock Editorial