Controversy erupts as Paris authorities step up "social cleansing' ahead of Olympics

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have strongly criticized French authorities for what they describe as accelerated "social cleansing" operations, following the eviction of hundreds of squatters in Paris ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics.

On July 16, French police dismantled two camps in northern Paris, leading to the eviction of over 230 people, mostly migrants.

Médecins du Monde (Doctors of the World), a humanitarian aid organization based in the northern suburbs of Saint-Denis shared the due information, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

NGOs allege that these actions are part of a broader effort coinciding with the upcoming Olympics, aimed at clearing out marginalized communities from central Paris.

"While French authorities deny any link to the Olympics, NGOs argue that recent policy changes have made it easier for migrants to be relocated to shelters far from the city centre," stated Paul Alauzy, a representative from Médecins du Monde. "This mass eviction just before the Games appears to be a deliberate effort to clear the streets of Paris."

Wednesday's operations follow similar actions, including the clearance of a squat along the Ourcq canal in northeastern Paris, where approximately 250 people were removed the previous day. Evicted individuals were reportedly given the option to relocate to shelters on the outskirts of Paris or face a long journey to eastern France.

Many affected migrants, reluctant to accept distant shelter placements, were seen leaving on foot, carrying their belongings.

The evictions also involved preventative measures, such as placing concrete blocks under bridges, to prevent squatters from returning to their former locations. A coalition of 80 charities recently released a report, "Revers de la Medaille," accusing French authorities of a systematic approach to "social cleansing" before major events like the Olympics.

According to the report, these actions aim to create a sanitized image of Paris, presenting a "City of Light" devoid of visible poverty or informal settlements, to enhance its appeal to visitors during the Olympics.