French Security Authorities Foil Plan to Attack Soccer Events During the Paris Olympics
TimeMay 21
Coffins Marked 'French Soldiers in Ukraine' Left Near Eiffel Tower
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Above: A general view as construction work on the grandstands begins on the site of the Eiffel Tower Stadium that will host the Beach Volleyball and men's Blind Football competitions during the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics on April 06, 2024 in Paris, France. Image copyright: Chesnot/Contributor/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
Three people have been detained after they allegedly left five life-size coffins draped in French flags with the inscription "French soldiers in Ukraine" near the Eiffel Tower on Saturday.
The coffins, left on the Quai Branly in Paris — which is preparing to host the 2024 Olympic Games — reportedly contained gypsum, not corpses.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Data from the three suspects' phones shows that they were in contact with another man whose role in a previous suspected Russian interference operation is being probed. This is clearly Russia trying to foment agitation to discredit France's unwavering support of Ukraine.
Establishment-critical narrative
As the motives of the three men remain unknown, it's premature to blame Moscow for France's security lapse. Instead of investigating the incident as a possible interference by a foreign power, French officials must focus on closing security loopholes.
