(MENAFN- AzerNews)
Fatima Latifova
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Today marks the start of the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics.
However, several scandals during the preparation period for the
opening have already proven that France's double standards and
racism have infiltrated sporting events.
It is worth recalling that France, one of the most racist
countries in the world, recorded approximately 15,000 racist,
xenophobic, and anti-religious crimes last year. It should be
emphasised that these are only incidents that have come to the
attention of security services. Statistics show that in 2023, these
crimes in the leading country of the European Union increased by
32% compared to 2022. The question arises as to how appropriate it
is to hold the Olympics in such a dangerous country that disregards
human rights.
What happened in the run-up to the Olympic
Games?
Since the beginning of this year, attempts at "social cleansing"
in Paris have particularly caused dissatisfaction among local
administrators. It should be noted that France has long attracted
immigrants from Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East, but the
number of newcomers far exceeds the short-term housing
opportunities offered by the country. As a result, homeless
individuals set up unauthorised camps under bridges or on vacant
land around the capital, which are regularly dismantled by the
police.
In preparation for the Olympic Games, the process of forcibly
relocating migrants from Paris to other cities and villages
began.
Interestingly, France, which accepted 167,000 refugees in 2023, was
historically keen to become the second country in Europe to receive
the most applications after Germany. However, the racist treatment
of migrants heading to this country and the social cleansing they
face is regrettable.
On the other hand, the step
taken by Macron's government to accept migrants into France at its
own suggestion makes the country's desire to interfere in the
processes in the South Caucasus ridiculous.
Azerbaijan had offered thousands of Armenians living illegally
in its liberated territories to accept Azerbaijani citizenship, and
today, Armenians still continue their lives as they were. While
those who did not accept this offer and voluntarily relocated to
Armenia under safe conditions were portrayed as victims of ethnic
cleansing by France, it is interesting that France ignores the
thousands of migrants subjected to police violence and social
cleansing in the streets of Paris in preparation for the
Olympics.
While these plans for the opening of the Paris Olympics quietly
continue, the news that Aya Nakamura, one of France's famous
singers, will sing at the opening ceremony further inflamed the
racist groups. The Malian-born French singer became a new target.
Ultra-rightists in the country insulted and threatened the singer,
starting protests based on her being black.
Another issue is the restriction
of athletes' religious freedoms. France's Islamophobic policy is
not a new issue. However, the ban on hijab-wearing athletes
participating in the Olympic Games not only violates international
human rights laws but also exposes the hypocrisy and weakness of
the French government once again. The hijab ban, implemented in
many areas, including sports in France, violates many of the
obligations and values that the host country of the Olympic Games
has committed to under international human rights conventions.
It is quite regrettable that such a racist and Islamophobic
government is hosting an event that has become a symbol of unity
and solidarity, like the Olympic Games.
What is even more regrettable is that this country tries to
cover up its social problems and expand its influence in other
regions. For example, France was one of the first countries to
openly oppose Azerbaijan's liberation of its territories from
Armenian occupation.
Many countries that turned a blind eye to the genocides,
occupations, and vandalism carried out by Armenia in Azerbaijan's
Garabagh region for 30 years condemned Azerbaijan's
counter-offensive operation in 2020 and the local anti-terror
operation in 2023.
It is not surprising that countries like France, which ignore
the mosques and historical monuments subjected to Armenian
vandalism in Garabagh, pursue Islamophobic and racist policies
within their own borders.
The restrictions and insults directed at athletes and singers of
different races and religions demonstrate how "cultured" and
"modern" Paris really is. Undoubtedly, the fact that a state
engaged in slave trade and colonial policies for centuries still
holds onto these traditions and even gains the title of leader of
the European Union reflects how weak and hypocritical the
principles of justice and equality are in the West.
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