PARIS (AP) — A special kind of iron curtain came down across central Paris on Thursday, with the beginning of an Olympic anti-terrorism perimeter along the banks of the River Seine sealing off a kilometers-long (miles-long) area to Parisians and tourists who hadn't applied in advance for a pass.
Associated PressPeople watch Notre Dame cathedral from outside the security zone set up for the Olympic Games, Thursday, July 18, 2024 in Paris. Starting Thursday, parts of the French capital will only be accessible to people who have registered for a QR code, as part of the massive security operation ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
"I didn't know it started today," said Emmanuelle Witt, a 35-year-old communications freelancer who was stopped by police near the Alma bridge while biking across town. She desperately went on her phone to fill out the online form to get her QR code, unaware that the vetting process could take several days.
"That's too much, that's over the top, that whole thing is a pain," grumbled Nassim Bennamou, a delivery man who was denied access to the street leading to Notre Dame Cathedral on his scooter.While authorities announced the code system last year and have been meeting with local residents for months to explain the restrictions, not everyone was aware. Many visitors were redirected to reach Paris' most iconic monuments.
"It's surreal, it really feels like we're the only ones here," said Sarah Bartnicka from Canada. Enjoying a morning jog with a friend, the 29-year-old took a selfie with a police officer on the deserted Iéna bridge to capture the moment.
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