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Radio France Internationale
Radio France Internationale
National
RFI

France ramps up security with 25,000 police officers to guard Paralympics

Up to 25,000 police officers and gendarmes are mobilised to ensure security for the upcoming Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. AFP - BERTRAND GUAY

Some 25,000 police officers are to be be deployed daily across Paris and surrounding areas during the Paralympic Games, mirroring the security measures implemented during the recent Olympics.

The Paralympic Games, from 28 August to 8 September, will see a robust security operation, with Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin assuring that no "tangible" terror threat has been detected.

The Israeli delegation, consisting of 27 athletes, will receive round-the-clock protection by elite police officers, similar to the precautions taken during the Olympics.

This heightened security is a response to ongoing tensions in the Middle East, particularly in light of the conflict in Gaza.

Crowd of 30,000

The opening ceremony, set to take place at the Concorde venue, is expected to draw around 30,000 spectators, with an additional 15,000 attending for free along the Champs-Elysées.

The torch relay, which will begin when the Paralympic flame arrives from Stoke Mandeville in the UK – a village northwest of London that is widely considered the birthplace of the Paralympic Games – will also be closely monitored by police forces to ensure its security.

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin greets members of the BRI Research and Intervention Brigade as he arrives to take part in a security visit at the Parc des Princes Stadium, Paris, on 24 July 2024. AFP - FRANCK FIFE

In addition to the police presence, about 10,000 private security agents will be deployed to safeguard athletes and spectators at various venues.

The Paralympic Games will feature 4,400 athletes competing across 19 venues, compared to the 10,500 athletes and 41 venues during the Olympics, said Tony Estanguet, president of the Paris 2024 Organising Committee.

So far, 1.7 million of the available 2.8 million tickets have been sold. Events will include wheelchair tennis at Roland Garros, track and field at the Stade de France, basketball at the Bercy Arena, and swimming at La Défense Arena.

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