France arrests teenager for planning terrorist attack at Olympic Games – DW – 31.05.2024

French authorities have arrested an 18-year-old suspected of planning an “Islamist-inspired” terrorist attack during the Paris Olympic Games.

The suspect is an “18-year-old of Chechen origin” who was arrested on May 22 in Saint-Etienne, southeastern France.

“He intended to attack spectators, but also security forces, and to die as a martyr,” the Interior Ministry said in a statement on Friday evening.

The ministry said the arrest was the “first foiled attack on the Olympic Games.”

What do we know about the suspected terrorist attack?

According to the Interior Ministry, the suspect was accused of “actively preparing an attack on the Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium in Saint-Etienne” during Olympic football matches.

“He intended to attack spectators as well as security forces and to die as a martyr,” the Interior Ministry added.

The suspect has been charged with terrorist conspiracy and remains in custody.

He was previously unknown to the authorities. His underage brother was arrested at the same time but later released.

“We applaud the efficiency of the (police) services and their exceptional mobilization to ensure the security of the Games,” said a statement from the Paris Organizing Committee.

“Safety is the top priority for Paris 2024.”

zc/wmr (AFP, AP, Reuters)