France Violently Dismantles Migrant Camp
By Stefan J. Bos, Special Correspondent Worthy News
(Worthy News) – Amid a mounting public outcry, France’s interior minister on Tuesday ordered an internal police investigation into police violence against migrants fleeing war, persecution, and poverty. He made the announcement after security forces were filmed tossing migrants out of tents while evacuating a Paris protest camp.
The overnight clashes in the heart of the capital erupted ahead of a crucial vote on filming security forces that critics say could limit press freedom.
Police dismantled the makeshift migrant camp in Paris while clashing with desperate migrants and activists. Police later spread tear gas, chasing people through the streets. Riot police used batons to hit some of them.
The homeless migrants made clear they are now forced to live on the streets. “We don’t have any place to live. We don’t have any place to sleep,” a migrant said. “And it is necessary for us in this weather. The winter is coming, it is getting cold, and we need somewhere to sleep,” he added.
Volunteers had joined them. Linking arms, the crowd – several hundred strong – could be heard chanting “papers for all, accommodation for all!” when police moved in.
As the evacuation began, there was a nationwide outcry. Even Interior Minister Darmanin described images of the evacuation filmed by journalists and activists as “shocking.” He ordered an internal police investigation into what he called “certain incidents.” The minister promised to make the results public.
SECURITY BILL
Aid groups and the government are trying to find temporary lodging for migrants forcibly removed from the short-lived camp on the Place de la Republique in eastern Paris. But it won’t be easy.
The violence came as the French parliament prepared to vote Tuesday on a controversial security bill. Opponents say it could undermine the media’s ability to investigate police behavior.
France has seen massive demonstrations this year against police brutality and alleged racism.
Article 24 of the security legislation would make it a criminal offense to post images of police or soldiers on social media, which are deemed to target them as individuals.
If the law is adopted, violators could face one year in prison and a 45,000 euro ($53,400) fine.
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