BBC News, September 8, 2010 - Euro MPs have accused the European Commission of failing to protect Roma (Gypsies) deported from France.

The EU Justice Commissioner, Viviane Reding, told the European Parliament on Tuesday that she had asked France for more information about its actions.

France has expelled nearly 1,000 Roma to Romania and Bulgaria from illegal camps since July, in a highly controversial law and order crackdown.(...)

A Romanian MEP in the liberal group ALDE, Renate Weber, said France's removal of Roma was similar to deportations carried out by Italy two years ago.

"The Commission shares responsibility for this new wave of Roma deportations in Europe. The Commission needs to demonstrate that it truly is the guardian of fundamental rights," she said, drawing applause from fellow MEPs. (...)

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