Reception of exiles: in Calais, endless repression
Associations for the defense of the rights of exiles stranded at the Franco-British border refused to participate, this Friday, January 7, in the monthly meeting organized with the authorities at the sub-prefecture of Calais. “ During these meetings, people living in the camps are usually invited, explains Pierre Roques, coordinator of the Auberge des migrants. The day before, those who were to participate were expelled from their place of life and forcibly moved to Nice or Laon. It is all very hypocritical. “ The solidarity groups also intend to denounce the police violence which is increasing, at the moment, in Calaisis.
Tear gas and batons
Since the beginning of the month, three camps have been dismantled. Each time, the security forces used tear gas and used batons. Thursday, January 6, 150 CRS are violently negotiated, in Coquelles, to expel 100 exiles. 80 tents were confiscated.
This violence also targets the actors of solidarity. Tuesday, January 4, a volunteer from the Auberge des migrants was violently arrested and taken into police custody. It was place to warn the inhabitants of a camp of the imminent intervention of the police, so that they forward their belongings to the shelter. Accused of having hit a policeman in armor, she will be tried in the spring. “ A CRS grabbed her by the collar, explains Pierre Roques. She raised her hands to protect herself. “ For the NGO Human Rights Observers (HRO), the exiles and their supporters face a real “ state violence “.