French police briefly detained British rights activist Mr Peter Tatchell and another man today trying to protest the presence of Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe at a Franco-African summit.
Mr Tatchell, who has filed a complaint with the French courts seeking a warrant for Mr Mugabe's arrest on torture charges, said he and an associate were taken into police custody and held for two hours.
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Policemen arrest gay rights campaigners protesting against the Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe's policies toward homosexuals, in front of the Zimbabwean embassy in Paris yesterday.
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He said he and two others were attempting to reach the French foreign ministry, where a lunch for summit participants was taking place, when police apprehended two of them at a nearby metro station. A third man fled the scene.
After confiscating their flags and placards, Mr Tatchell said police took the two men to a nearby police station, questioned them and said they would again be detained if they were to attempt further protests. Once they were released, Mr Tatchell said they were followed by a police car.
Earlier French President Mr Jacques Chirac greeted Mr Mugabe at the Franco-African summit but, unlike many guests who received a kiss on the cheeks, the Zimbabwean only received a nod and handshake in a minimal exchange of courtesies.
Mr Mugabe - who is accused of rigging elections and human rights abuses - is subject to EU travel and economic sanctions but was allowed to visit Paris as an exception at Mr Chirac's request.
Agencies