Paris Olympics Revoke Accreditations of Russian Journalists

The Paris 2024 Olympic organising committee has revoked the accreditations of four Russian journalists from the state-run TASS news agency. The decision, attributed to French authorities, was linked to security concerns. TASS expressed surprise, noting the journalists had previously covered events without complaints. Only 15 Russians are competing in the Games under strict conditions.

The Paris 2024 Olympic organising committee has revoked the accreditations of four Russian journalists from the state-run TASS news agency. The decision, made on Sunday, was attributed to French authorities, though no further explanation was provided to Moscow.

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin's office refrained from commenting, noting that accreditation decisions are based on government-provided information and lie with the Games' organiser, Paris 2024. Paris 2024 organisers have yet to make a statement.

One of the TASS reporters informed Reuters that they were told by Paris 2024 organisers their accreditation was revoked due to security reasons. Despite having their accreditation initially, a security check revealed it was no longer valid. TASS reported that the decision was unexpected, as the journalists had previously covered events without any issues.

Russia is traditionally a top Olympic medal winner, but the Paris Games are not aired on Russian state television, and only 15 Russians are competing under stringent conditions due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Russians and Belarusians at the Games must compete as individuals without national flags and pass a screening process to ensure they haven't publicly supported the war.

TASS claimed previous denials of accreditation by Paris were related to espionage fears and quoted Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, who criticized French President Emmanuel Macron for allegedly not protecting free speech.

(With inputs from agencies.)