Security warning to Aussie Olympians
Written by admin on July 24, 2024
Australian Olympians have been warned against wearing their team uniforms outside the Olympic village following the alleged gang rape of an Australian woman in Paris.
Disturbing CCTV footage captured the moments after an Australian woman was allegedly gang-raped in Paris just days before the start of the Olympics.
French media reported a woman, 25, was found disoriented and unable to speak French outside a kebab shop on Boulevard de Clichy in Paris’ 18th arrondissement about 5am on Saturday, just metres from Moulin Rouge.
CCTV shows the woman crying and pleading for help at the shop, with a woman and the shop owners comforting her.
Australian chef de mission Anna Meares said she hopes the woman has been cared for and “supported in the trauma that she’s experienced” before issuing a warning to Olympians.
“We encouraged them if they go out of the village not to go out on their own not to wear team uniform just to wear the plain clothes,” she said.
“It is based on the security advice that we’ve received and just ensuring the safety of our athletes.”
The advice is reportedly precautionary, emphasising organisers want to ensure everyone “stays safe and comes home safe”.
“Information we’re passing on to our athletes is that security presence is really really high and that’s in order for them to be able to act as quickly as possible to keep them safe,” she said.
“We don’t yet have any feedback from our athletes that they have felt unsafe.
“We’ve got a huge contingency of family and friends coming … we just want to make sure that everyone stays safe and comes home safe.”
The warning comes after two Nine Olympics broadcasters were reportedly attacked during an attempted robbery in Paris on Monday.
A group of people attempted to steal one of their backpacks on Monday afternoon in the municipality of Le Bourget, northeast of Paris, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
It’s understood the incident was physical but did not involve any weapons.
A travel alert has also been issued for Australians to exercise a “high degree of caution in France” amid terrorism threats.
“France’s national terrorist alert remains at the highest level. Expect high-level security measures nationwide, especially in venue cities, including schools, places of worship, shopping centres, and landmarks,” the July 19 smarttraveller.gov.au warning states.
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“Terrorists could target events and locations in the lead-up to, during, and after the Olympic and Paralympic Games, including events associated with the Olympic Torch Relay, LGBTQIA+ community, music and cultural events, festivals, tourist areas, shopping areas, transport hubs, sporting events and other public areas.
“Be aware of your surroundings, monitor the local media, and follow the advice of the local authorities.”
The alert added travel delays are expected throughout the Olympic period.
