Romanian, Bulgarian Roma Stir Riots in Southern France

Most of the Roma in France came from Bulgaria and Romania after the two countries joined the EU in 2007 and are seen by the majority of the French as a threat to safety and security. Photo by BGNES

Roma have blocked a major road bridge near the city of Bordeaux in southern France in protest against their eviction from an illegal campsite, BBC reported late Sunday.

Around 250 vehicles blocked the bridge for five hours, causing tailbacks of up to five kilometers on a public holiday weekend.

More than 40 illegal camps have been closed in the past week.

The French Interior Minister, Brice Hortefeux, says Roma from Eastern Europe will be deported on "specially chartered flights".

The blockade on the Aquitaine Bridge was the first major counter-protest by Roma and travelers since the French government began its crackdown.

Most Roma, who live in illegal camps in France, are believed to be recent immigrants from Eastern Europe, particularly Bulgaria and Romania.

The government's decision to clear 300 unauthorized camps - reportedly half the total in France - has been condemned by human rights groups, who say it is deliberately stigmatizing a generally law-abiding section of society to win support among right-wing voters.

The French Interior Minister announced that he will be meeting Romanian junior minister next week to call on Romanian police to assist in the crackdown in France. There is no information about Hortefeux approaching the Bulgarian authorities.

 

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