French authorities have carried out extensive security checks ahead of the Olympic Games in Paris, resulting in thousands of exclusions.
Acting French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin announced that over a million people were screened, with 4,350 applications rejected.
Darmanin explained to Tagesschau, that the checks included athletes, coaches, journalists, volunteers, private security staff, and even local residents involved in the Games.
Reasons for Exclusion
Darmanin said some people were excluded due to suspected links to radical Islamists, foreign espionage, or potential cyber threats. There is no evidence that any of these individuals were planning attacks.
The aim was to reduce risks, including the chance of cyber attacks on the Games' computer networks.
Among those rejected were people from Russia, Belarus, and other countries who wanted to be accredited as journalists or technical staff.
"We are applying the precautionary principle," Darmanin stated.
Confidence in Security Measures
Despite these exclusions, Darmanin assured the public that there is no known security threat to the Olympic Games.
He expressed confidence that the event, set to begin on July 26, is well-secured. The opening ceremony, planned to take place on the Seine, will go ahead as scheduled, with extensive security measures in place.
Tony Estanguet, the chief organizer, echoed this confidence at a recent press conference, stating that security is the "number one priority."
To boost security, French authorities have increased the number of police and military personnel in Paris.
A total of 45,000 security forces will be deployed for the opening ceremony alone.
The organizers have also reduced the number of expected spectators from 600,000 to around 300,000 to better manage security.
