Bloggers detained in connection with Paris riots
Snip from Guardian UK article:Link. Image: "A man crosses the street in Raincy, a northern Paris' suburb, shortly after the mayor imposed an 'exceptional curfew' in the wake of nights of rioting." (AFP/Christophe Simon)
Two bloggers have been detained by authorities in France on suspicion of encouraging people to take part in the Paris riots.A 16-year-old French teenager and an 18-year-old of Ghanaian nationality are being questioned by Paris prosecutors, according to reports.
One of the blogs was called "sarkodead", a reference to the interior minister and presidential contender, Nicholas Sarkozy, who referred to the rioters in disparaging terms and has been singled out for criticism by many French bloggers.
The pair have been placed under investigation, which is a step short of formal charges under French law, for "inciting harm to people and property over the internet".
Related reports:
Business Week -- Sarkozy Googles as Paris Riots: "Ads on Google that direct Web surfers to a petition supporting hard-line Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy have ignited a political storm."
AP: Paris prosecutors eye blogs urging riots
Reuters: French rioters use Web, cell phones to incite
And a piece by Thomas "Joi Ito's Resident Guestblogger" Crampton in the IHT: Blogs and text messages spread call to violence
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Xeni Jardin
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