A man in his 20s was detained in northern France after breaking into a railway site, French authorities announced. The incident took place amid the ongoing search for arsonists responsible for sabotaging train signaling cables, causing travel disruptions before the Paris Olympics opening ceremony.
Arson Attacks Investigation
The Paris prosecutor’s office is leading the investigation into the recent arson attacks on signaling stations. The man detained is not a suspect in these incidents, according to official statements.
Suspect Identified as ‘Ultraleft’ Activist
The man, whose identity was not disclosed, was described by Gérald Darmanin, France’s interior minister, as an “ultraleft” activist. He was apprehended at a site owned by France’s national railway company near Rouen.
Security Measures Tightened
Following the sabotage incidents, French security and transportation authorities increased monitoring of the transportation network. Arsonists had cut and set fire to crucial cables at three different signaling stations across the country.
Possible Motivations
While the exact motives behind the attacks remain unclear, Mr. Darmanin suggested that anarchist or anticapitalist, far-left fringe groups may be responsible. These groups often target symbols of the French state, such as the railway network.
Quote: “What has really interested and worried us is that these are extremely specific locations used for communication,” Mr. Darmanin stated. “Clearly it was extremely well-targeted, it was not done randomly.”
