PARIS (AP) – French authorities demolished a makeshift church and mosque on Monday at a camp in Calais populated by thousands of migrants.
The operation was the culmination of a two-week effort to clear a 100-meter security zone around the perimeter of the camp, a regional official said. The migrants and charity groups helping them were informed Jan. 19 of the pending demolition, the official said, adding that no one was hurt in the operation.
The pastor for the church clashed with police holding riot shields as excavation machines crushed the simple structure, leaving an empty muddy field beneath.
Rev. Teferi Shuremo said authorities had told him the church was “safe” from demolition.
“They are trying to destroy peace,” he said, clinging to a huge wooden cross and pledging to build another church.