13 Feb 2019; AFP: A spate of anti-Semitic vandalism and graffiti in and around Paris at the weekend sparked widespread condemnation on Tuesday, stoking fresh concerns about an increase in hate crime against Jews.
Prime Minister Edouard Philippe told lawmakers that he shared their anger at the "loathsome" acts, urging people "to express their absolute rejection" of anti-Semitism.
"That is not enough, of course, but the day when we no longer do so, when fatigue wins the day, then all will be lost," he said.
Government spokesman Benjamin Griveaux suggested the vandalism could be blamed in part on the far-left and far-right activists who have infiltrated the weekly "yellow vest" protests.
Demonstrators have gathered in Paris every Saturday since mid-November to denounce the government of President Emmanuel Macron, often leading to violent skirmishes with police.
"We're not talking about the protesters who are struggling to make ends meet," Griveaux told France 2 television.
"But those who are committing violent acts, openly anti-Semitic or racist acts, they must be charged and severely punished."
The rise in anti-Semitic acts in France, however, predates the yellow vest movement and there was no evidence linking the latest incidents to the protests.
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