In a deeply disturbing incident, an Australian woman was gang-raped by five men in Paris just days before the start of the Olympics, French police reported. The brutal attack took place after midnight on July 20, and police are currently investigating the crime. CCTV footage revealed the 25-year-old woman seeking refuge at a kebab shop following the assault. Her dress was partially torn and she was wearing it inside out, indicating the severity of the attack.
The woman had spent the night of July 19 enjoying the bars and clubs around the iconic Moulin Rouge cabaret. Reports indicate that the men approached her at an unspecified location and assaulted her around 5 am. The woman described her assailants as being of “African appearance” to the police.
The CCTV footage from the kebab shop shows the terrified woman running inside and pleading for help. Minutes later, one of the assailants entered the shop, prompting the woman to point him out to the staff. The man nonchalantly patted the woman on the back before placing an order for food. A staff member attempted to confront the man, but he left the shop shortly after.
The shop staff quickly called emergency responders while trying to console the distraught woman. Police officers arrived and spoke to her about the ordeal before she was taken to a hospital. The woman, who was disoriented and unable to speak French, struggled to provide details about the exact location and circumstances of the attack.
The incident occurred in the northern Pigalle district, where the woman was later seen wandering the streets in a state of confusion and distress. The Paris Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that police are examining the allegations and reviewing the CCTV footage. As of now, no arrests have been made.
The Australian woman, who had initially booked a flight home for the day after the attack, has decided to stay in Paris to assist with the investigation. Australia’s Olympic team chief, Anna Meares, acknowledged the incident and urged athletes to exercise caution. Meares emphasized the importance of safety, advising athletes not to venture out alone or wear team uniforms in public.
With the Olympics set to begin on July 26, Paris has ramped up its police presence to ensure the safety of visitors and athletes. The horrific incident underscores the need for vigilance and the importance of security measures in the city during this major international event.
