The French government has once again begun expelling hundreds of Roma it says have settled in the country illegally.

A large number of camps have now been removed by riot police. The biggest concentration were in Paris, where nearly 160 camps had fallen into ruins. Local media said the groups got wind of the operation in advance, and had abandoned their quarters a day before - meaning police encountered little resistance.

The Paris municipal government says they have offered asylum to the homeless Roma, but that their offers have been rejected. In addition to Paris, the cities of Lyon, Lille, Marseilles and others were working to expel the groups. This has stirred great attention from the EU. Officials from that group say they hope the French government will abide by European Union laws in addressing the issue.