France terror removals condemned

The watchdog fears the policy could alienate France's Muslim population

France is failing to safeguard foreign terror suspects it deports from human rights violations such as torture, an international watchdog claims.

In its first major report on France, Human Rights Watch says the country's policies could alienate communities vital to the fight against terrorism.

It says ignoring human rights over forced removals "sends the wrong message to Muslims in France".

At least 70 "Islamic fundamentalists" have been expelled since 2001.

Last month the UN torture committee condemned France for deporting terrorism suspect Adel Tebourski to Tunisia, despite evidence he could face a risk of torture upon his return, HRW said.

French authorities said Tebourski was a serious threat to national security.

Hearts and minds

The report, "In the Name of Prevention: Insufficient Safeguards in National Security Removals", is based on 19 case studies.

It concludes that France's terror expulsion policy lacks the necessary guarantees to prevent serious violations of international human rights law.

"Appeals based on risk of torture or other human rights grounds do not automatically suspend removal," it says.

Holly Cartner, Europe and Central Asia director at Human Rights Watch said France was entitled to remove foreign nationals who threatened national security, provided human rights were respected in the process.

"Preventing terrorism isn't just about effective policing and intelligence work. It's also about winning hearts and minds," she said.

"Cutting corners on human rights when it comes to forced removals sends the wrong message to Muslims in France."