Makeshift Migrants’ Mosque And Church Destroyed In France
KABUL: (MEP) French authorities have demolished a makeshift mosque and a church used by refugees at the notorious Calais Jungle migrant camp in the north of the country.
Monday’s operation was the culmination of a two-week effort to clear a 100-metre security zone around the perimeter of the camp, a regional official said.
Thousands of asylum seekers from Syria, Sudan and other countries have taken refuge at the Calais camp.
The pastor for the church clashed with police holding riot shields as excavation machines crushed the simple structure, leaving an empty muddy field beneath.
Rev. Teferi Shuremo, the head of the church that was destroyed, said authorities had told him the church was ‘safe’ from demolition. ‘They are trying to destroy peace,’ he said, clinging to a huge wooden cross and pledging to build another church.
Shuremo pledged to build another church. Asked where, he said, “I don’t know. God will give me help.”
Refugees and activists have been shocked by the move. Observers say that the places of worship had not been included in initial demolition plans earlier revealed to them by government authorities.
The French government has faced criticism for failing to provide basic care for the refugees and migrants, who have built their own shelters, schools, stores and places of worship.
