Targeting Camps of Roma to Fight Crime in France

(RV - 29 July 2010) French President Nicholas Sarkozy yesterday ordered the dismantling of 300 illegal camps of travellers and Roma across France as part of a fight against crime and urban violence.

The leader promised a crackdown last week after a weekend of rioting in two cities, one involving an attack on a police station by Roma.

We spoke to the Managing Director of the European Roma Rights Centre, Rob Kushen.

He says the French government needs to stop targeting entire communities, and fulfil its legal obligations in helping the Roma integrate into society.