BBC has reported that French police have launched an investigation after an Australian woman claimed she was raped by five men in the heart of Paris.
The lady, who is 25, went to a kebab shop early in the morning on July 20 with her dress partially torn, at Pigalle district, according to a CCTV footage. It was not clear what happened between the time she left and returned there with a ripped clothing.
While no arrests have been made yet, prosecutors have confirmed that this is being treated as a “gang rape” investigation. This occurred just days before the Paris Olympics begin. A French newspaper called Le Parisien said restaurant owners sought help when they saw the state of the woman. The woman received immediate attention from firefighters following the suspected assault and was taken to Bichat hospital for medical examination. Despite this claim, ongoing investigations are currently underway in relation to these allegations since there are no concrete evidence to prove that the woman did not give consent.
In addition, it is worth noting that police officers from Paris prosecutor’s office are looking into accusations raised against anybody who might be involved through scrutiny of video footages obtained from CCTV cameras (BBC).
“The second judicial police district has now been given responsibility for this investigation into alleged gang rape likely committed during night of July 19-20,” said an official response from them (BBC News).
Meanwhile, Australia Olympic team head Anna Meares has urged her athletes to stay safe during the Paris Games amid increasing security fears after an Australian girl claimed she had been raped.
“It’s really high-security presence… we haven’t had any details or any information come through,” she added (ABC News). “If they go out of the village then we ask them not to go on their own; don’t wear your team uniform; just wear plain clothes.”
There will be strict security during Friday’s opening ceremonies along River Seine where games will take place.
