(AFP) Rights group Amnesty International on Wednesday accused French authorities of harassing, intimidating and even assaulting people offering aid to migrants in the north of France in a deliberate attempt to discourage their work.
In a new report, Amnesty said the security forces were engaged in a deliberate attempt “to curtail acts of solidarity” offered by activists to migrants, asylum seekers and refugees.
“French authorities have harassed, intimidated and even violently assaulted people offering humanitarian aid and other support,” said the report, entitled “Targeting Solidarity.”
“Providing food to the hungry and warmth to the homeless have become increasingly risky activities in northern France, as the authorities regularly target people offering help to migrants and refugees,” said Lisa Maracani, Amnesty’s Human Rights Defenders researcher.
