France: Dialogue between Commissioner Hammarberg and Minister Hortefeux on the desecration of cemeteries
Strasbourg, 02/11/10 – "I was deeply disturbed to learn of the desecration of 37 graves in the Muslim section of Strasbourg cemetery on 24 September. Sadly, this despicable act is not the only one of its kind. Four Jewish or Muslim cemeteries have been vandalised this year in the greater Strasbourg area alone", said Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Thomas Hammarberg in a letter, published today, to Brice Hortefeux, French Minister of the Interior, Overseas France and Local Authorities.
The Commissioner emphasises that "states have an obligation to protect all religious buildings from any damage or destruction. If damage occurs, states must make every effort to investigate properly and to prosecute and punish those responsible".
As cases of desecration and attacks on places of worship escalate in France, and particularly in Alsace, the Commissioner recommends the adoption of effective measures. "The perpetrators of such offences must never be allowed to feel that they will go unpunished." Better co-ordination of all the public actors concerned would enable prevention to be improved. It is also important to ensure the quality and reliability of data collected about racist or xenophobic offences, from their detection to justice decisions.
The Commissioner concludes his letter by inviting the Minister to engage in detailed dialogue with him to combat such desecrations and prevent them from becoming commonplace.
Read the letter to the French Minister of the Interior, Overseas France and Local Authorities (in French only)
Read the Minister's reply (in French only)