Hindus portray France as an "embarrassment for Europe" in view of Roma maltreatment

Nevada (US), Sept 16 (ANI): Hindus want European Commission (EC) to take fast-track legal disciplinary action against France over Roma (Gypsy) expulsions and dismantling of their settlements.

Eminent Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that France had become an "embarrassment for Europe" due to its xenophobia and racism as was apparent from recent Roma maltreatment.

It was shocking to see the "great nation of France", who claims to be the "mother of human rights", falling so low by its abuse of Roma. This Roma maltreatment was not acceptable and further expulsions should be immediately halted. Singling out of helpless Roma was appalling and immoral, was "officially stamped racism", and was a major offence, Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, argued.

Rajan Zed further said that despite worldwide and EC condemnation, France continued to deport Roma and apparently thumbed its nose at the world and expelled about 230 Roma, including many children, on September 14. Over 8,000 Roma had been reportedly deported during this year by France.

France was apparently in violation of European Union law by its discriminatory actions targeting an ethnic group. EC, which was guardian of the treaties, would lose its legitimacy if it did not show guts and take strong action against France over Roma abuse, Zed stressed. (ANI)