Citizen Kingdom: Harassment and Arbitrary Detention, a New and Absurd Custody for Cédric Herrou

Accompanied by two duly registered asylum seekers and therefore in a regular situation, Cédric Herrou was arrested this Saturday morning by the border police at the La Turbie highway toll. The two asylum seekers were released, but Cédric Herrou was questioned at the Auvare police station and his van was searched.

The purpose of this trip was, as it is every Saturday, to sell products from the Emmaus community of Breil-sur-Roya at the Emmaus market in Saint-André. The only result of this umpteenth arrest (the eleventh, to be exact!) is to waste the time of Cédric Herrou and his Emmaus community, along with their weekly earnings.

Once again, the police forces and their superiors have chosen the strategy of harassment and arbitrariness against activists who concretely implement the principles of solidarity and human rights. This custody was, of course, not followed by any charges. This will only strengthen their determination to continue their actions, as well as that of all the activists who are mobilizing for the dignified reception of exiled individuals and the respect of their fundamental rights, which France flouts daily.