French authorities are using discretionary powers under anti-terrorism law to remove from the Olympics people they consider potential security threats.
As part of the security measures for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the French authorities have implemented a Vigipirate plan at the “attack emergency” level.
According to the Interior Ministry, this plan must be maintained at least until “mid-September”.
Nearly 155 individual administrative control and surveillance measures have been taken against individuals deemed dangerous. However, many of them have never been convicted or even prosecuted by the courts.
But it appears that the people targeted by these security measures are mostly from minorities, particularly from former French colonies.
Under house arrest, they are forbidden from leaving their quarters and must report to the police daily.
This is the case of Amine, born in France and aged 21, he is an apprentice in a bank. Although he has no criminal record, the young man is not allowed to leave his southern suburb of Paris. These restrictions have an impact on his life and in particular on his mental health:
Amine was reported to the police after posting a TikTok video of himself in front of the Eiffel Tower, which was lit up in the colours of Israel following the attacks of 7 October, wearing a jersey of the Chilean football club Deportivo Palestino.
This video has been interpreted as anti-Israeli by some. In addition, Amine has been the victim of identity theft on social networks, his name appeared in the comments of a publication advocating terrorism as well as an “anti-Zionist and homophobic” account.
French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said the restrictions were put in place to prevent “very dangerous” people from targeting the Olympics.
He says minorities are not singled out by the security services, and says people suspected of left-wing or right-wing extremism are also monitored.