French Govt Revealed to Ethnically Target Roma - Report

A French Ministry of Interior circular quoted by the New York Times reveals that French authorities are specifically targeting Roma people in their effort to oust illegally residing individuals, in spite of claims to the contrary.

The French government has staunchly and consistently insisted that its campaign targets no ethnic group in particular, but simply tries to eradicate crime, remove illegal residents and preserve security.

Nevertheless, the document quoted by the NYTimes in an article entitled "Document Cites French Bid to Oust Roma", writes that 300 illegal camps must be cleared within three months, "with priority those of Roma."

The document is dated August 5. According to the NYTimes, the administration of French President Sarkozy and of the Ministry of Interior refused to comment on the document, but have not disputed its authenticity.

The document referred to in the New York Times is available in French HERE. For  excerpts from the circular refering to Roma translated into English, read HERE.

A prior Ministry of Interior circular on the same matter that does not refer to Roma camps in particular is available (also in French) HERE.

The NYTimes article quotes an article in French online edition Le Canard Social.

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