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> Number of arrested French rioters passes 4,700. 25/11/2005. ABC News Online
> [This is the print version of story http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200511/s1516494.htm]
> Last Update: Friday, November 25, 2005. 9:00am (AEDT)

> # Number of arrested French rioters passes 4,700

> The total number of people arrested for their involvement in the rioting that has seared France has climbed to more than 4,700, following the recent arrests of 1,540 people.

> The violence raged nightly from October 27 to November 16, resulting in nearly 1,000 vehicles being torched.

> Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy has not said how many of those arrested remain in custody or face criminal charges.

> "Arrests didn't stop with the end of the riots," he told a gathering of mayors.

> "Those who pillaged, those who behaved as delinquents have debts to pay to the courts in our country."

> Mr Sarkozy maintained a hard line throughout the crisis, ordering vigorous police action and deporting some non-French citizens who participated, which has generated controversy because of the high immigrant nature of the suburbs involved.

> According to surveys, Mr Sarkozy's tough approach has won the approval of the majority of French voters, who he is counting on to realise his ambition of replacing President Jacques Chirac in the 2007 elections.

> The last figures from the French national police service show that 650 people have been jailed as a result of the riots.

> - AFP

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