The Australian Olympic team has acknowledged the allegations made by an Australian woman claiming she was raped in Paris, according to the team's chief, who spoke on Tuesday. The chief urged Australian athletes to exercise additional caution during the Paris Games due to increased security concerns. The Paris prosecutor's office confirmed that police are investigating the allegations from a 25-year-old Australian woman who claims she was gang raped over the weekend. She sought help at a restaurant in northern Paris after the incident, where emergency services attended to her.
Anna Meares, the Australian Olympic team chief, addressed the allegations at a press conference, stating that the team is aware of the situation. "There is limited detail available, and we are informing our athletes that security measures are extremely tight," she said. "We have not received any reports from our athletes feeling unsafe. We advise them, if they leave the village, not to go alone and to avoid wearing team uniforms, opting instead for casual attire."
The Paris Olympics opening ceremony is scheduled for Friday along the Seine river, with heightened security in place. French officials have not reported any direct threats from militant groups against the Games, but they remain vigilant about petty crime and violence, which is a concern for the large number of tourists expected in Paris for the event.
