RadicalizationFrance probes 86,000 security permit holders for signs of radicalization
Since the January 2015 terrorist attacks on Charlie Hebdo and Jewish supermarket in Paris, nearly sixty individuals suspected of Islamist radicalism have had their authorization to work at Paris’ Charles de Gaulle Airport pulled. There are currently 86,000 French men and women who have passed security screening, and who have security permits which allow them to work in secure sites such as critical infrastructure and airports. France announced that each of these individuals will be re-examined to see whether they are still eligible for the security permits – and that new criteria will be added to eligibility requirements, including “the appreciation of radicalization” as “a factor which poses a problem in terms of security and safety.”
Philippe Riffaut, the prefect of Charles de Gaulle (Roissy) and Le Bourget airports, told a press conference, that since the January 2015 terrorist attacks on Charlie Hebdo and Jewish supermarket in Paris, nearly sixty individuals suspected of Islamist radicalism have had their authorization to work at Paris’ Charles de Gaulle Airport pulled.
At least five individuals have been dismissed from the airport staff following the 13 November attacks.
“Since the beginning of the year, there are 57 people who lost their authorization because of radicalization. There have been five since the attacks [November 13],”he said.
Le Figaro reports thatRiffaut said that while as managements in workplaces throughout France which require security clearance are authorities are working to revise personal authorizations and security background checks procedures, more suspensions“will come.”
To work in critical infrastructure facilities, airports, and other areas designated by the government as requiring heightened security clearances (what the French call “zone réservée”), employees must pass security screening conducted by intelligence and law enforcement agencies. There are currently 86,000 French men and women who have passed security screening, and who have security permits to work in secure sites.
Riffaut said that “The 86,000 work permits in the security area will be reviewed,” starting with “5,000 airport security personnel.”
He said that each of the 86,000 secure permit holders will be examined individually to see whether or not they are still eligible for the security clearance, with the probe focusing on each individual has been up to “since they got their authorization.” The record of each individual will be cross-checked with domestic intelligence agencies. New criteria will be added to eligibility requirements, including “the appreciation of radicalization” as “a factor which poses a problem in terms of security and safety.”
Riffaut added that since the 13 November attacks, airport authorities have searched more than 4,000 personal lockers. He said that the searches found no drugs or weapons, “just some religious literature,” which he called“elements of advanced propagandism.”
Since Monday last week, all travelers to France are subject to border controls, even if they come from a Schengen Zone country.
