'I can't help you. I'm here to kill'

Tourists in Paris asking directions of men in uniforms face having an assault rifle thrust in their abdomen and being told: "We're not here to give travel information, we're here to kill." That, at least, is the claim of French police officers, who yesterday told the prime minist...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inThe Guardian (London)
Main Author ALEX DUVAL SMITH IN PARIS
Format Newspaper Article
LanguageEnglish
Published London (UK) Guardian News & Media Limited 24.01.1997
Subjects
Etiquette
Security personnel
Terrorism
Tourism
France
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Summary:Tourists in Paris asking directions of men in uniforms face having an assault rifle thrust in their abdomen and being told: "We're not here to give travel information, we're here to kill." That, at least, is the claim of French police officers, who yesterday told the prime minister that foreign legionnaires drafted in as part of the Vigipirate anti-terrorism operation were even ruder than the average Parisian. Paul le Guennic, secretary-general of the Federation Autonome des Syndicats de Police (Fasp), claimed the armed men patrolling Paris Metro platforms in green berets and combat fatigues were racist, foul-mouthed and exceeding their brief.
ISSN:0261-3077