A ‘lockdown’ at Hellenikon
The final security inspection of Olympic venues at the Hellenikon Olympic Complex before it was locked and handed over to the Greek police was completed yesterday at the Canoe/Kayak Slalom Center. Part of the inspection was filmed by the media as part of the Public Order Ministry’s effort to convince the international public that the Greek authorities are doing everything possible to ensure the Games are safe. Early yesterday morning, special bomb disposal squad officers scanned the entire venue using electronic equipment and sniffer dogs. Port police divers searched all the water courses to be used in the event as well as underground water pipes. Public Order Minister Giorgos Voulgarakis, who observed the inspection with other senior officials, including police chief Fotis Nasiakos, said the same procedures were being used at all Olympic venues. Now that the venues are locked, only those with official accreditation and ticket holders will be admitted.
