Sarkozy threatens immigrants who target police

Grenoble saw clashes this month between youths and police at a housing project that is home to many immigrants

Published July 30, 2010 2:05PM (EDT)

President Nicolas Sarkozy says he wants to revoke the French citizenship of immigrants who put police officers' lives in danger.

Sarkozy said Friday in a speech in Grenoble that French nationality should be revoked "from any person of foreign origin who voluntarily threatens the life of a police officer" or other public authority.

The southeastern city saw clashes this month between youths and police at a housing project that is home to many immigrants after a resident suspected in a casino armed robbery was killed while fleeing police. Some youths allegedly fired on police.

Tensions have simmered in projects around France since nationwide riots in 2005.

Sarkozy says France is "suffering the consequences of 50 years of insufficiently regulated immigration."


By Associated Press

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France Immigration Nicolas Sarkozy