July 17th 2024.
According to Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, a suspected neo-Nazi sympathiser has been apprehended by French anti-terror police for allegedly planning to disrupt the Olympic torch relay. The man was taken into custody on Wednesday morning at his home in the Alsace region of eastern France, as confirmed by the Paris prosecutor's office.
The man in question is said to be the leader of a group called the "French Aryan division" on the social media platform Telegram. He is being questioned over accusations of making death threats, spreading hate speech, and posting other disturbing content. These alarming comments caught the attention of the prosecutor's office, which has a special unit dedicated to combating online hate.
Despite the seriousness of the situation, the prosecutor's office clarified that the suspect's remarks did not specifically target the Paris Olympics, which are set to begin with a heavily guarded opening ceremony next week. However, Minister Darmanin stated that there was a clear intention to disrupt the torch relay at some point.
The Olympic torch is nearing the end of its journey around France and its overseas territories, building up excitement and anticipation for the upcoming games. Minister Darmanin, who is currently serving as caretaker at the interior ministry until a new government is formed, revealed that the suspect had previously been on the police's radar for his extreme right-wing beliefs, which could be classified as neo-Nazi.
"We are aware that his main objective was to target political figures or individuals of immigrant origin," Darmanin explained. This information raises concerns about the suspect's potential motivations and targets.
In addition to the troubling death threats and hate speech, the suspect is also being investigated for sharing personal information that could put people in danger, as well as for sharing instructions on how to make bombs. With the Paris Olympics being the first in a century, the city's security measures involve a massive deployment of up to 45,000 police and gendarmes, along with 10,000 military personnel patrolling the streets and other locations in the Paris region.
As the investigation continues, authorities are taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety and success of the Paris Olympics. The arrest of this alleged neo-Nazi sympathiser serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat of terrorism and the importance of staying vigilant in the face of such potential dangers.
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