French police have opened an investigation into death threats received by three Israeli athletes participating in the Paris Olympic Games, as well as possible antisemitic hate crimes during a football match.
The Paris prosecutor's office announced that the national anti-online hate body will lead the investigation into the threats, which were initially reported by Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin.
Key developments:
- Death threats against three Israeli athletes are under investigation
- Possible antisemitic hate crimes during an Israel-Paraguay football match are being probed
- Israeli athletes are receiving heightened security measures, including 24-hour protection
- Personal data of Israeli athletes was leaked on social media
The security concerns come in the wake of a warning from Israel's foreign minister to his French counterpart about an alleged Iranian-backed plot targeting Israeli athletes and tourists during the Games. Iran's UN mission has denied these allegations, stating, "Terrorist acts have no place in the principles of resistance groups."
In response to the threats, Israeli athletes are being escorted to and from events by elite tactical units and given round-the-clock protection. Israel's internal security service, Shin Bet, is assisting with security measures.
The football match incident:
- Prosecutors are investigating possible antisemitic hate crimes during an Israel-Paraguay match in Paris
- Fans reportedly unfurled a banner reading "Genocide Olympics" and made antisemitic gestures
- Chants against Israel and about the Gaza war were heard from a group of masked fans
- The Israeli national anthem was booed by part of the crowd
The Paris Olympics organizers have filed a complaint with the police regarding the football match incidents. Prosecutors stated that the fans involved could face charges of aggravated incitement to racial hatred.
Additionally, anti-cybercrime officers are investigating the release of Israeli athletes' personal data on social networks, including blood test results and login credentials. Israel has blamed Iran-backed groups for this cyber harassment.
* The Express contributed to this article.
