The French left joined human rights groups and specialised organisations in
criticising an anti-delinquency initiative launched by French President Nicolas
Sarkozy yesterday (28 July), which is specifically targeted at the Roma
community.
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Sarkozy summons ministers over Gypsy 'problems'
Sarkozy launched a new anti-crime initiative yesterday (28 July) targeting
the "itinerant population," with a particular emphasis on the Roma community.
Among the measures launched are plans to shut down around 300 illegal camps,
expulsion from the country of all Roma from Romania and Bulgaria who have
committed public offences, an exchange of policemen between France and Romania,
and targeted checks by the fiscal authorities of Roma with expensive SUVs.
The move was announced after some 50 'travelling people' (or gens du voyage
as they are called in France) ransacked a police station and other property in
Saint Aignan, Central France last week in protest at the death of a 22-year-old
who was shot by police.
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