Sarkozy discriminates against Roma

A police officer killed a 22-year-old Roma in the French department of Loir-et-Cher on the weekend for unknown reasons. Demonstrators then sacked a police station during the subsequent unrest. The daily Libération sees French President Nicolas Sarkozy's idea, prompted by the rioting, of initiating a discussion of the problems caused by the Roma community as discriminating: "Which community in France has to present a 'travel booklet' to the police every three months? Which people encounter the worst difficulties in voting, sending their children to school or simply moving into the neighbourhood of their choice? The Roma, recognised as a 'travelling people' by the administration. But the presumption of innocence … is also required for Luigi Duquenet. … Must it be repeated that throughout their long and difficult history these 'travelling people' … have been discriminated against and served as a scapegoat for hatred and racism? This meeting to discuss their supposed 'delinquency' is dangerous and futile."

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