Follow usThe International Olympic Committee has expressed its regret for the recent riots in France, but is confident that the country will hold a successful Olympic Games next year.
The death of teenager Nael Merzouk, shot by a police officer during a traffic stop a week ago, has sparked both peaceful protests and a wave of unrest in several major cities, with police making hundreds of arrests each day. Protesters set fire to cars, looted stores, attacked town halls, public schools and other properties. The suburbs of Paris and Marseille in the south were the hot spots, but the situation seems to have calmed down this week.
“We regret to learn of the recent incidents in France,” an IOC spokesman said, stressing that the violence had nothing to do with the games.
Olympic sites were not affected by the unrest, although the facade of the aquatics center for the Paris Olympics was damaged during the protests.
“We have full confidence in the organizing committee and in the French authorities to ensure a successful Olympic and Paralympic Games and in the hospitality of the French people to welcome the world to these Games,” the IOC spokesman added. Paris will host the games from July 26 to August 11, 2024.
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