French judges to stop work over security concerns

PARIS, June 6 (Reuters) French magistrates are to stage a strike on Monday in a protest at what they see as poor security after a senior judge was attacked.

Judge Jacques Noris was hospitalised when he was stabbed by an unemployed woman in the eastern town of Metz on Tuesday, shortly after he ordered that her son remain in his grandmother's care.

''Following the outrageous attack on our colleague in Metz, the magistrates' union calls on all judges to stop work and assemble on the court steps,'' the magistrates' union USM said in a statement.

The Metz courthouse has a metal-detector at only one of its six entrances.

President Nicolas Sarkozy issued a statement expressing support for the judge and Justice Minister Rachida Dati ordered an investigation into improved security.

REUTERS JK BST0227