Sarkozy Vows to Punish Rioters

Attacks against officers won't be tolerated, he says
By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff
Posted Nov 28, 2007 10:26 AM CST
Sarkozy Vows to Punish Rioters
French President Nicolas Sarkozy, second right, and Interior Minister Michele Alliot-Marie, right, visit an unidentified police officer injured during clashes with rioters, Wednesday Nov. 28, 2007 at the Eaubonne hospital, outside Paris. Sarkozy insisted Wednesday that rioters who shot at police would...   (Associated Press)

Nicolas Sarkozy vowed to bring armed rioters to justice after visiting wounded policemen in the hospital today, saying, “Opening fire at officials has a name—attempted murder.” More police were deployed last night, bringing violence down, but buildings and cars were burned throughout Paris and Toulouse, the BBC reports. Sarkozy also promised a judicial inquiry into the deaths that ignited the riots.

Riots began after a motorcycle accident killed two teenagers. Families of the boys, who believe police were responsible for their deaths, applauded Sarkozy’s probe, saying it would bring the truth to light. Sarkozy met with them today upon his return from a state visit to China, before holding an emergency meeting with senior government officials. (More France stories.)

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