Australian woman raped by five men in Paris, days before the Olympics

New Delhi:

An Australian woman was allegedly raped by five men in Paris, just days before the city was set to host the opening ceremonies of the 2024 Olympic Games. According to French newspaper Le Parisien, the “disoriented” 25-year-old woman walked into a local restaurant on the famous Boulevard de Clichy in the Pigalle neighborhood of Paris on Saturday, wearing the dress backwards. Paris authorities have confirmed that a “gang rape” likely occurred between Friday and Saturday, and an investigation is underway.

Local media reported that the woman took refuge in a kebab shop in the Pigalle neighborhood with her dress partially torn. Restaurant owners asked for help when they noticed her condition, and she was treated by firefighters before being taken to Bichat Hospital for a medical examination.

The timing of this incident is particularly concerning as security authorities are already dealing with a multitude of potential threats, including terrorist attacks, cyber attacks, crowd gatherings and the impact of potential labor strikes during the Olympic Games.

Strath Gordon, Head of Public Relations and Communications for the Australian Olympic team, stated that Australian athletes in Paris were informed of the alleged attack. “They are advised not to wear their team uniform when in public places,” Gordon said in an email Tuesday. He emphasized that the athletes have not received any threats since their arrival in France and are “following preparations for the Games”.

The Australian consulate and French police provide support to the victim. Anna Meares, the Australian chef de mission, expressed her shock and concern over the incident. “I’ve been told, it sounds horrible. Obviously, our hearts go out to the woman involved and we hope she is being cared for and supported through the trauma she has suffered.” Ms. Meares said Tuesday morning.

Ms. Meares reiterated that team members were thoroughly briefed on safety and precautions. “The information we are giving our athletes is that the security presence is very, very high and this is for them to act as quickly as possible to keep them safe.” she said. “We have not yet received any feedback from our athletes that they felt unsafe. We are encouraging them, if they leave the village, not to go out alone, not to wear the team uniform, just to wear regular clothes. .”

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is working to confirm 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 said.

In June, the alleged rape of a 12-year-old Jewish girl in a Paris suburb sparked protests and drew condemnation from politicians, who linked the crime to rampant anti-Semitism in France.