Sarkozy defends Afghan migrants expulsion

French President Nicolas Sarkozy has defended his government's decision to proceed with the expulsion of nine Afghan migrants, despite protests from rights groups. The migrants were flown back to their war-torn country in a special charter flight.

AFP - President Nicolas Sarkozy said France was acting on a law that is “perfectly respectful of individual’s rights” when his government flew undocumented Afghan immigrants back to their country of origin. The operation was carried out in concert with Britain’s government.

“Returning an Afghani to Afghanistan, who does not want to stay in France, in agreement with Europe’s human rights court and another European government. Where is the problem?” Sarkozy asked.

“We decided to apply the law, it is what is expected of France’s president,” he added during an interview to television channel Canal+

It was the second charter expulsion of Afghans since the closing in September of the so-called "jungle", a camp in Calais where many migrants and refugees assembled, hoping to cross the Channel to Britain.

Prime Minister Francois Fillon on Tuesday defended the expulsions, saying France had made commitments to Britain, the desired destination for many migrants passing through France.
   
In October three Afghans from France and 24 from Britain were repatriated to their war-torn country, drawing protests from the left-wing opposition and humanitarian groups.

 

Date created : 2009-12-17