French government imposes rarely used emergency laws

After 12 days of violence by youths who have torched cars, schools and churches in protest against racism and unemployment, the government invoked a 1955 law on states of emergency that was used to curb unrest during Algeria’s war of independence.

The &to=http://english.pravda.ru/comp/2002/07/17/32640.html' target=_blank>French government imposed rarely used emergency laws on Tuesday to put riot-torn areas of the country under curfew in efforts to quell the worst unrest in decades.

The decree was due to go into force at midnight (11:00 p.m. British time). It allows emergency measures to be in force for 12 days and can restrict the movement of people and vehicles in areas where local government officials known as prefects declare a curfew.

The northern city of Amiens was the first to announce a curfew, saying unaccompanied youths would not be allowed to walk the streets of the city and neighbouring districts from midnight until 6 a.m. In coming days the curfew will start at 10 p.m, informs Reuters.uk