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> French violence levels back to 'normal'. 17/11/2005. ABC News Online
> [This is the print version of story http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200511/s1509391.htm]
> Last Update: Thursday, November 17, 2005. 8:30pm (AEDT)

> # French violence levels back to 'normal'

> Urban violence has dropped to normal levels in France after three weeks of unrest in its run-down suburbs, police said.

> Ninety-eight vehicles were set ablaze on Wednesday night, a sharp drop from the peak of the violence when about 1,400 vehicles were torched on the night of November 6.

> Police detained 33 people during the night.

> "The situation has returned to normal because about 100 vehicles are set on fire each night in France," a police spokesman said.

> Violence erupted on October 27 after the accidental deaths of two youths, who electrocuted while apparently fleeing police.

> Nearly three weeks of urban violence left 9,000 vehicles torched, and almost 3,000 people were arrested

> The rioting has been blamed mostly on youths who feel excluded from mainstream society and are frustrated by racism, harsh police treatment and high unemployment.

> Many of the rioters are of Arab and African origin but some are white.

> Urban unrest has receded since the Government adopted emergency measures including curfews last week, although few areas have used the anti-riot powers.

> The Senate approved a government law on Wednesday extending the measures for three months, completing the bill's passage through parliament.

> -Reuters

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