PARIS – French authorities have filed preliminary charges against six people accused of forcing children to steal and beg as part of a yearlong investigation involving police in France and Romania.
Prosecutors said Friday that another six are still in custody pending further questioning. All were detained in Roma, or Gypsy, camps in a Paris suburb earlier this week. Prosecutors said family members forced minors between 9 and 17 to carry out thefts and they were whipped or starved when they didn't fulfill quotas.
The announcement comes amid political debate about how France is treating Roma.
Police have expelled hundreds from illegal camps in France recently. Residents of a Marseille neighborhood kicked out around 50 Roma from a camp there and burned it down Thursday night, the Sipa news agency reported.
Antisemitism Exposed
Fox News' Antisemitism Exposed" newsletter brings you stories on the rising anti-Jewish prejudice across the U.S. and the world."
By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.