Major cities including Sydney, Paris and Tokyo have cancelled or modified New Year’s Eve events
Major cities including Sydney, Paris and Tokyo have cancelled or modified New Year’s Eve events(Image: Md Shanjir Hossain via Getty Images)
New Year’s Eve celebrations are being cancelled globally due to rising concerns over potential terrorist attacks and crowd control issues.
Major cities worldwide, including Sydney, Paris, and Tokyo, have opted to cancel public gatherings, fireworks displays, and parties in the days leading up to 31 December. The spate of cancellations began after a planned bomb attack in Los Angeles on New Year’s Eve was foiled by the FBI. Four individuals were arrested in connection with the plot during a scheduled rehearsal just outside the city.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli showcased drone-captured surveillance footage at a press conference earlier this month. The video showed the suspects attempting to assemble a bomb in a desert location. The four suspects, all from the Los Angeles area, have been identified. Despite the imminent terror threat, Los Angeles has not yet officially cancelled any of its New Year’s Eve events.
However, other locations are not taking any risks with their events. Australia’s current National Terrorism Threat Level is set at probable, with warnings that a small number of individuals both within Australia and overseas harbour intentions to harm the country, as per The Express.
Following an attack on members of the Jewish community at Bondi Beach earlier this month, which claimed 15 lives and left 40 others wounded, Sydney, Australia’s largest city, has taken the decision to scrap its renowned fireworks display at the popular beach. The spectacle typically attracts crowds of more than 15,000 people – whilst the world-famous display at Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House will proceed as scheduled.
“Due to the current situation on the ground, Waverley Council has decided to cancel New Year’s Eve events at Bondi Beach, including elrow XXL Bondi and Local’s Lawn,” Waverley Council representatives told Sky News.
Officials said the decision was made with “compassion and care for Sydney’s Jewish community”. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns suggested that members of the Jewish community remain concerned about their safety due to the ongoing threat of antisemitism.
Paris music event cancelled
The French capital’s famous musical celebration on the Champs-Élysées has been scrapped following police concerns, according to Parisian publication sortiraparis. Authorities urged Mayor Anne Hidalgo to cancel the concert, which usually attracts tens of thousands, over fears of potential crushing incidents from the large crowds.
The capital’s main fireworks display will go ahead as planned despite the cancellation of the musical event.
Tokyo countdown cancelled
The Japanese capital has been forced to cancel one of its most notable New Year’s celebrations, forgoing the countdown outside the city’s iconic Shibuya Station due to fears of potential stampedes from the thousands anticipated to attend.
Reports suggest that Shibuya Mayor Ken Hasebe also called off the event because of worries about public alcohol consumption.
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AloJapan.com