ALBAWABA- An Australian woman was allegedly gang-raped by five men in Paris just days before the city is set to host the opening ceremonies of the 2024 Olympic Games. Parisian authorities confirmed that the assault likely took place between Friday and Saturday.
The 25-year-old woman, described as "disoriented," entered a restaurant on Boulevard de Clichy in the Pigalle neighborhood with her dress on backward and partially torn off.
Restaurant owners called for help, and she was attended to by firefighters before being taken to Bichat Hospital for a medical examination.
Strath Gordon, Chief of Public Affairs and Communication for Australia's Olympic team, stated that athletes had been informed of the attack and advised not to wear team kits in public.
"The athletes have not received any threats since they arrived in France and are continuing their preparations for the Games," Gordon said.
Anna Meares, the Australian chef de mission, expressed shock and concern, emphasizing that team members had been briefed on security precautions. "Security presence is very high to ensure quick response to any incidents. Athletes are advised not to go out alone or wear team uniforms," she said.
The Australian consulate and French police are providing support to the victim. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is making urgent inquiries with French authorities to confirm the details of the incident.
This incident adds to the security challenges faced by officials as they prepare for the Olympics, including potential terrorist attacks, cyberattacks, crowd crushes, and labor strikes.
