Arrest and Sentencing of Man Violating Terrorism Control Measures During Olympic Flame Passage
A 23-year-old man was arrested Thursday in Bordeaux during the passage of the Olympic flame, found in an area prohibited due to his history of advocating terrorism. On Monday, he was sentenced to a 600-euro fine after appearing before a criminal court. The prosecution had initially requested a five to six-month prison sentence, to be served under electronic surveillance.
This incident aligns with the 'hindering strategy' unveiled earlier in May by Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin. The strategy aims to control the 'Islamist and jihadist movement' before and during the Olympic Games, including through home visits and individual measures of administrative control and surveillance (Micas) for people convicted of terrorism or deemed highly radicalized.
The defendant, described by the Interior Ministry as 'particularly monitored' and 'from the Islamist movement,' was required to report to a police station on the day the flame passed. However, after meeting this obligation, he proceeded towards Bordeaux city center, which was forbidden to him.
During the hearing, the defendant admitted his awareness of the violation but defended himself by stating, 'I was aware that I was in violation but given the time it was, the flame had already gone.' He claimed his intention was simply to 'eat a kebab.'
Public prosecutor Frédérique Porterie emphasized the seriousness of the situation, reminding the court that the man had been previously convicted twice for serious offenses, including a prison sentence in 2022. 'He knew the rules of the game,' she argued, adding, 'Justice must be an element of authority; we must not brandish a wooden saber.'
Defense lawyer Me Elena Badescu viewed the 600-euro fine as an 'adapted sanction to the alleged offense,' calling it of 'very relative seriousness.'
Another individual under Micas measures was also arrested on the same day in Pessac, near Bordeaux, and was fined 960 euros. According to a Ministry of the Interior press release published on Friday, 77 such measures are currently in effect.
- Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin announced the 'hindering strategy' against Islamist and jihadist movements to enhance security during the Olympic Games. This strategy includes extensive measures such as home visits and individual measures of administrative control and surveillance (Micas).
- Known measures currently in place include filling local police stations with individuals required to report regularly, increased checkpoints, and monitored zones. As of now, 77 such Micas measures are active, illustrating the government’s rigorous stance on national security.
