French president says deported Roma girl can return alone
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 19 October 2013 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, French president says deported Roma girl can return alone, 19 October 2013, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/528b677e8.html [accessed 3 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
October 19, 2013
The manner of Leonarda Dibrani's deportation has sparked outrage in France.
French President Francois Hollande has said that a 15-year-old Roma schoolgirl whose deportation sparked massive student protests in Paris can return to France to continue her studies.
But Hollande said the girl's family cannot return with her.
Leonarda Dibrani was detained in front of her classmates as she got off a bus from her school.
She was deported with her family to her father's native Kosovo.
The Dibrani family lived in France for four years but their asylum request was rejected.
A government investigation into the October 9 deportations concluded that the process was carried out legally.
However, the way the schoolgirl was detained and deported sparked protests and criticism.
Based on reporting by AFP and AP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
