01:56France: Refugee slits wrist as police resume 'Jungle' camp clearance
French authorities resumed the demolition of parts of the 'Jungle' refugee camp in Calais, with riot police on-site, Tuesday, overseeing the process. They physically removed an Afghan couple after they had been standing on top of a tent since late Monday in a bid to prevent the clearance. As the police approached the woman, believed to be pregnant, began slitting her wrists – an action she had threatened since the eviction started, according to reports.
Overnight police used tear gas and flash grenades as clashes erupted when refugees tried to block passing trucks on a nearby road. The events followed a day of confrontation between refugees and police officers.
Last Thursday, a local court ruled that the southern part of the camp should be demolished. Regarding the relocation of the displaced refugees living at the site, French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve stated that the local government would cooperate with activists who are helping to accommodate those left without homes. Refugees are reportedly being urged to move to shipping containers near the 'Jungle' site.
Thousands of migrants and refugees have been left stranded in Calais over the past year as they wait for an opportunity to cross the English Channel into the United Kingdom. Around 6,000 refugees and migrants are currently living in and around Calais as plans continue to reduce numbers in the camp and relocate them across the country, or deport them back to their countries of origin.
01:56French authorities resumed the demolition of parts of the 'Jungle' refugee camp in Calais, with riot police on-site, Tuesday, overseeing the process. They physically removed an Afghan couple after they had been standing on top of a tent since late Monday in a bid to prevent the clearance. As the police approached the woman, believed to be pregnant, began slitting her wrists – an action she had threatened since the eviction started, according to reports.
Overnight police used tear gas and flash grenades as clashes erupted when refugees tried to block passing trucks on a nearby road. The events followed a day of confrontation between refugees and police officers.
Last Thursday, a local court ruled that the southern part of the camp should be demolished. Regarding the relocation of the displaced refugees living at the site, French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve stated that the local government would cooperate with activists who are helping to accommodate those left without homes. Refugees are reportedly being urged to move to shipping containers near the 'Jungle' site.
Thousands of migrants and refugees have been left stranded in Calais over the past year as they wait for an opportunity to cross the English Channel into the United Kingdom. Around 6,000 refugees and migrants are currently living in and around Calais as plans continue to reduce numbers in the camp and relocate them across the country, or deport them back to their countries of origin.