Dozens arrested in France for disrupting olympics

A number of individuals have been detained in France for attempting to disrupt the Olympic Games, Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin revealed on Monday. Security forces arrested 50 people who had intended to engage in “sabotage or radical protests” during the Games’ initial competitions, Darmanin told France 2 television.

Le Parisien reported that 45 members of the radical environmental group Extinction Rebellion were among those detained for planning protests against the social and environmental impacts of the Olympics. Additionally, Le Figaro noted the arrest of an ultra-left activist in Oissel, found with keys to SNCF technical areas, wire cutters, and universal keys.

The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed that this arrest was not linked to the arson attacks that disrupted traffic ahead of the Olympics’ opening. Darmanin said authorities are now identifying potential suspects behind these deliberate sabotage efforts, which are characteristic of far-left tactics.

Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete assured that train services have resumed as usual. Meanwhile, reports indicate that unknown parties have damaged fibre-optic networks across six French regions, but Paris was not affected. Acting Secretary of State for Digital Affairs Marina Ferrari condemned these acts and stated that efforts are ongoing to restore affected services. No group has claimed responsibility for the damage to the networks.