In a deeply disturbing incident, a 25-year-old Australian woman was reportedly gang-raped by five men in Paris, just days before the city is set to host the opening ceremonies of the 2024 Olympic Games. According to reports from France’s Le Parisien newspaper, the woman, appearing disoriented and wearing her dress backwards, entered a restaurant on Boulevard de Clichy in the Pigalle neighborhood on Saturday.
Authorities in Paris have confirmed that the alleged gang-rape likely occurred between Friday and Saturday, and an investigation is currently underway. The woman, who sought refuge in a kebab shop in Pigalle with her dress partially torn, was aided by restaurant owners who called for help. She received immediate assistance from firefighters before being taken to Bichat Hospital for a medical examination.
This incident is particularly alarming as Parisian security officials are already facing numerous challenges in the lead-up to the Olympics, including potential terrorist threats, cyberattacks, crowd management issues, and possible labor strikes.
Strath Gordon, Chief of Public Affairs and Communication for Australia’s Olympic team, informed that Australian athletes in Paris have been briefed about the alleged attack. “Athletes are advised not to wear team kit in public places,” Gordon stated in an email on Tuesday, emphasizing that there have been no threats to the athletes since their arrival in France and they are continuing their preparations for the Games.
The Australian consulate and French police are providing support to the victim. Anna Meares, the Australian chef de mission, expressed her shock and concern over the incident. “It sounds horrific. Our hearts go out to the woman involved, and we hope she is receiving the care and support she needs,” Meares said on Tuesday morning.
Meares reaffirmed that everyone on the crew had received extensive training on security and safety procedures. “We have informed our athletes that security presence is high to ensure their safety. We advise them not to go out alone or in team uniforms, but to wear plain clothes,” she said. There has been no feedback from the athletes indicating that they feel unsafe.
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is working to confirm the details of the incident. “The Australian embassy in Paris is making urgent inquiries with French authorities following reports of an Australian citizen assaulted in Paris,” a spokesperson stated.
This incident follows a previous disturbing case in June when the alleged rape of a 12-year-old Jewish girl in a suburb of Paris triggered protests and sparked condemnations from politicians, who linked the crime to rising antisemitism in France.