France’s train network hit by arson attacks ahead of Olympics ceremony

Paris, July 26

France’s high-speed rail network was hit on Friday with widespread and “criminal” acts of vandalism including arson attacks, paralysing travel to Paris from across the rest of France and Europe, and thwarting Olympic athletes from travel, only hours before the grand opening ceremony of the Games.

French officials condemned the attacks as “criminal actions,” though they said there was no sign of a direct link to the Games. Prosecutors in Paris opened a national investigation saying the crimes could carry sentences of 10 to 20 years.

As Paris authorities geared up for a spectacular parade on and along the Seine River, three fires were reported near the tracks on the high-speed lines of Atlantique, Nord and Est, causing disruptions that affected hundreds of thousands of travellers. Among them were Olympic athletes themselves.

French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal said France’s intelligence services have been mobilised to find the perpetrators of the “acts of sabotage” which he described as “prepared and coordinated.” — AP