Special forces to be deployed for Tour de France, interior minister says

Record ID: 102215

  • Title: Special forces to be deployed for Tour de France, interior minister says
  • Date: 24th May 2016
  • Summary: PARIS, FRANCE (MAY 24, 2016) (REUTERS) (SOUNDBITE) (French) FRENCH INTERIOR MINISTER, BERNARD CAZENEUVE, SAYING: "I can therefore announce that 23,000 gendarmes and policemen will be present on the sides of the roads to ensure the security of the Tour de France. Evaluations are currently underway to determine whether -- and in what capacity -- we would need to further increase our forces."
  • Embargoed: 8th June 2016 13:09
  • Keywords: Tour de France cycling Bernard Cazeneuve security police
  • Location: PARIS AND BENOUVILLE, FRANCE
  • City: PARIS AND BENOUVILLE, FRANCE
  • Country: France
  • Topics: Cycling,Sport
  • Reuters ID: LVA0034J62Z47
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: A team of elite police forces will be deployed to boost security during this summer's Tour de France, French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said on Tuesday (May 24).
    The Groupe d'intervention de la Gendarmerie nationale or GIGN is an elite special operations unit dealing with counter-terrorism, hostage rescue and organised crime.
    "For the first time, this year I have asked the GIGN to accompany the Tour de France throughout the competition and to be ready to intervene at any moment if necessary," Cazeneuve said during a press conference.
    He said a total of at least 23,000 police will be mobilised to ensure the safety of the race, which will take place from 2 to 24 July.
    "Evaluations are currently underway to determine whether -- and in what capacity -- we would need to further increase our forces," Cazeneuve said.
    "It's about placing forces capable of reacting in an emergency to a terrorist attack carried out in proximity to the Tour de France route. Apart from the Interior security forces, all aspects of civil security will be mobilized, so that they can help spectators along the whole route," the Interior Minister added.
    The government recently decided to extend the state of emergency, in place since the November 13 Paris attacks, until the end of July. It will cover the period of the Tour de France and the Euro 2016 soccer tournament.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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