France’s state of emergency—Sarkozy threatens mass deportations

“I have told the préfets that foreigners, who are legal or illegal immigrants, who have been indicted, are to be expelled immediately from our territory, including those who have a residence permit,” Sarkozy said. “When one has the honour of possessing a residence permit, the least that you can say is that you won’t get yourself arrested provoking urban violence.”

The National Bar Council (barristers’ organisation) has pointed out that legal obstacles stand in the way of Sarkozy’s reactionary order for mass expulsions. Sarkozy’s representatives replied that it was a matter of “ethics ... We know that there will not be large numbers expelled, but it is unacceptable that people possessing a residents’ permit should be setting cars alight and striking policemen.” They hope the measure will intimidate: “Their dossier will be branded,” said a lawyer, “the sanction could well affect the person for many years. He won’t have a chance of getting even a tourist visa.”

Sarkozy thus restored the “double penalty,” which he had previously alleviated. That is, condemning an indicted immigrant resident both to his court-imposed punishment and also to banishment from France. He informed the National Assembly that 120 foreign nationals have been condemned for violence in the revolt, not all illegally residing in France.

The head of SOS-Racisme, an anti-racist group, announced it has filed a complaint with the Council of State, France’s highest administrative body. Dominique Sopo said, “Nicolas Sarkozy’s proposal is illegal.” He called it a “mass deportation.”

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http://wsws.org/articles/2005/nov2005/fran-n12.shtml