French President Nicolas Sarkozy named Wednesday a new prefect in Isere after the recent unrest in Grenoble outskirts and Loir-et-Cher, southeastern France, pledging more control on violent riots.
"Very serious events occurred recent days in Isere and Loir-et- Cher showing an escalation of violence, particularly against the police. These events are unacceptable," Sarkozy said in a statement.
As the result, the 55-year-old head of State "decided to pick Eric Le Douaron as new prefect in Isere, who was the director of Paris public security for six years."
Last weekend disturbance occurred in Grenoble after a 27-year- old man were shot dead by the police as he was suspected of committing armed robbery.
Twenty men were arrested during the following three-day riot, including a revenge torch to at least 50 cars, buildings and shooting at police forces.
Sarkozy pledged to tight control on criminals and to launch a war against violence and insecurity in this European state, where violent riots were common in certain poor and neglected districts.
"The Government is conducting a relentless fight against crime. It's a real war that we will deliver to traffickers and criminals. The rule of law must be respected throughout the national territory," he stressed.
In 2005, weeks of violence swept across France's neglected outskirts, sparked by the death of two youths who were electrocuted when they entered an electricity installation as they ran away from police. |
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