Youths riot in troubled northern France

By BYAMIENS, France -- Months of tension between police and young people in a troubled district of northern France exploded yesterday, with dozens of youths facing off against riot officers in a night of violence.. Seventeen officers were injured, a preschool and public gym were torched, and at least three passing drivers in Amiens were dragged out of their cars.. A standoff between police and people attending a memorial for a young man who died in a motorcycle accident may have been one trigger. Officials emphasized that police were not involved in the death.. The eruption of violence shows how little relations have changed between police and youths in France's housing projects since nationwide riots in 2005 raged unchecked for nearly a month, leaving entire neighborhoods in flames in the far-flung suburbs.. The sister of the young man who died in the accident said it was impossible for people in her community to even speak with the police. "As soon as they see young people, it's to handcuff them or harass them," said Sabrina Hadji, 22. "The dialogue is completely broken.". Less than two weeks ago, the French government declared Amiens among 15 impoverished zones to receive more money and security, but many people remain frustrated at what they see as official indifference to their situations.. At the height of the confrontation, 150 officers faced off against young men in a neighborhood in the city 75 miles north of Paris. No one was arrestedAugust 14, 2012

-- AP

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