Paris Prostitution Crackdown Intensifies Ahead of 2024 Olympics

Authorities Step Up Operations to "Clean Up" City Before Games

Women in the prostitution industry in Paris express frustration and anger following the recent announcement by authorities about a major crackdown operation in preparation for the upcoming 2024 Olympics. This initiative, dubbed the "great cleaning operation," aims to address the issue of minor involvement and illegal immigration within the industry.

Police Increase Patrols and Identity Checks

The operation has seen a significant increase in police patrols in areas known for prostitution activities. Officers are conducting thorough identity checks to identify minors and illegal immigrants, with 37 individuals already facing deportation orders, primarily to Eastern Europe. This has led to a decrease in clientele, severely impacting the livelihoods of these workers.

Sex Workers' Unions Voice Concerns

Alyssa Kobi from the Union of Sex Workers of France highlights the intensified police scrutiny since late last year, noting that while it's no longer legal to punish women for working in prostitution, the police are finding other reasons to impose fines and penalties. Workers and union members argue that these measures do more to control than protect them.

Olympic Opportunity for Sex Industry

Despite the crackdown, some see the influx of tourists for the Olympics as a potential boost for the sex industry. However, Roxana Marciano, a former Olympic swimmer and current French politician, raises concerns about the resurgence of human trafficking and the exploitation of women during the Olympic period.

2024 Summer Olympics Overview

The 2024 Summer Olympics are set to be held in Paris from July 26 to August 11, marking the third time the city has hosted the Games. The event will feature 329 medal events across 28 sports, with the first decisions taking place the day after the opening ceremony.

Detailed Schedule of Events

The Olympics will kick off with a variety of sports including Rugby 7s, Fencing, Judo, and Cycling among others. Each day is packed with events leading up to the final competitions on August 11, which include Basketball, Handball, Modern Pentathlon, and more. The detailed schedule outlines specific times and sports, providing a comprehensive guide for viewers and attendees.

Italy's Bid for Einstein Telescope

In other news, Italy is actively preparing its bid to host the Einstein Telescope, with ongoing scientific and diplomatic efforts to secure the location. Antonio Zoccoli, president of the National Institute of Nuclear Physics, discusses the progress of the project and the strategic diplomatic engagements planned for the coming months. The decision on the telescope's location, between the disused mine of Sos Enattos in Sardinia and the Euregio Meuse-Rhine site in the Netherlands, is expected by 2025.