PARIS– A special type of iron curtain fell across central Paris on Thursday as the start of an Olympic anti-terrorism perimeter along the banks of the River Seine cordoning off a kilometer-long area to Parisians and tourists who didn’t apply for a pass. in advance.
The words on many lips were “QR code”, the pass that gave access beyond the snaking metal barriers that delineated the security zone created to protect the Olympic Games’ opening ceremony on July 26.
“I didn’t know it all started today,” said Emmanuelle Witt, a 35-year-old communications freelancer who was stopped by police near the Alma Bridge while cycling through the city. She desperately picked up her phone to fill out the online form to get her QR code, not knowing that the verification process could take several days.
Those who had the precious code – on their cellphones or printed on pieces of paper – passed smoothly through police checkpoints at openings in the barriers higher than most people.
Those who weren’t, for the most part, were turned away – with no amount of grumbling and cajoling causing the officers to relent.
“This is too much, it’s exaggeration, it all sucks,” grumbled Nassim Bennamou, a delivery man who was denied access to the street leading to Notre Dame Cathedral on his scooter.
“Even the GPS is messed up, I have no idea how I’m going to work today,” he added.
Although authorities announced the code system last year and met with local residents for months to explain the restrictions, not everyone was aware. Many visitors were redirected to reach Paris’ most iconic monuments.
“We had no idea we needed a QR code,” said Takao Sakamoto, 55, who was denied access to the Eiffel Tower near Bir Hakeim metro station. Visiting Japan with his wife, he took a photo of the Eiffel Tower in the distance, behind the fences and police cars. “That’s enough,” Sakamoto commented desperately.
On the other hand, those lucky visitors who entered the restricted areas were treated to the rare sight of a nearly empty central Paris on a sunny summer day.
“It’s surreal, it really feels like we’re the only ones here,” said Sarah Bartnicka from Canada. Enjoying a morning run with a friend, the 29-year-old took a selfie with a police officer on the deserted Iéna bridge to capture the moment.
“I understand why they are doing this,” said Carla Money, a 64-year-old American. She managed to get through the gates with her family and was walking near the Saint-Michel fountain. “I’m from
The perimeter came into effect on Thursday morning and will last until the ceremony. As an exception, Paris decided to hold the opening ceremony on the river, instead of in a stadium, as happened in previous host cities. Most river safety measures will be lifted after the ceremony.
Officers were instructed to be polite and responsive as employees headed to work and others dealt with the perimeter for the first time.
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