Russia, Belarus Olympic volunteers shown the door over 'security' fears

PARIS: When Diana, a Russian national living in France, received notification late last year that she had been selected as a volunteer for the Paris Olympics, she was ecstatic.

"It was the best Christmas gift ever," said the 31-year-old woman, who requested her last name be withheld.

Diana, who also served as a volunteer during the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, was eager to share her experience and contribute to the "grandiose event".

She received a mission assignment, attended a volunteer convention in March, underwent some training and was looking forward to getting her uniform in May.

Then came a letter from Olympic organisers indicating she had failed background checks. Citing the French internal security code, the organisers said they were not aware of the specific reason and were only informed of the decision by officials conducting the checks.

"The mission you accepted is unfortunately no longer assigned to you, and you will receive no further communication from us," said the letter.

Diana, who works for a major French company, was shaken. "I realised I present a major danger to this country. Only I don't understand why."

Diana is not alone. Many Olympic volunteers with Russian and Belarusian passports - some living in France, others living in their home countries - have reported receiving identical letters, citing security risks.

Russian-language online groups are full of anger as volunteers wonder what to do next. Diana is considering whether to file a legal complaint against the French interior ministry that she holds responsible for the ban. She said she had been contacted by around 20 people in the same situation.

The Paris Olympics will be held under the shadow of Russia's war against Ukraine. Russian and Belarus