FRENCH PRIME MINISTER URGES JUDGES TO COMMUNICATE

"When it comes to communicate, the judges have some reservations. Finally, one does not really know how it works and what it does," said Raffarin during a meeting with the judges and magistrates in charge of prosecuting racism and anti-Semitism. "I perfectly know it is not the duty of the Minister of Justice to be running from one TV station to another and spend time in excessive communication. It is however difficult in a society of communication and information for citizens not to know exactly how justice if functioning.

"The determination of justice should be known especially in the fight against racism and anti-Semitism," said Prime Minister Raffarin. "It is very important, even for the security of the citizens, for them to know that this issue is being widely addressed, especially by justice. This is an appeasing element for society. (…) On the issue of racism and anti-Semitism, one cannot expect society to evolve by itself in the right direction without a visible social determination, with a powerful action of the public authorities," added Mr. Raffarin. "Whatever the racist or anti-Semitic aggression, they are aimed at society. A society is not innocent of the action it generates. All this requires from us a strong mobilization," concluded the French Prime Minister.