Stranded MEPs Make Do In Strasbourg Lockdown

Stranded MEPs make do in Strasbourg lockdown

Strasbourg, France, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 12th Dec, 2018 ) :The European Parliament in Strasbourg was under lockdown late Tuesday after a deadly shooting near a Christmas market rocked the eastern French city, shocking and stranding hundreds of MEPs, staff and officials.

As the first reports of the attack landed on smartphones, droves of EU attendees were on their way to dinner and parties but were stopped at the parliament exit doors by no-nonsense security guards.

"The lockdown will hold until there's a resolution to what is going on outside," a security official said, waving everyone back.

Inside, with the session still ongoing, things remained business as usual, at least initially.

In a show of solidarity European Parliament President Antonio Tajani insisted on keeping the plenary session open, and debate continued as planned until midnight (2300 GMT).

"This parliament will not be intimidated by terrorist or criminal attacks... We will continue to work, strengthened by freedom and democracy against terrorist violence," Tajani told MEPs.

When the news landed, some responded angrily: "The lucky ones are back at their hotels," complained one official as she took an elevator back to her office.

But as the night grew longer, proceedings began to resemble a snow day from school, with the stranded killing time in good cheer.

"I'm safe but my heart and condolences are with the victims of this atrocity. Vive la France!," said British MEP Charles Tannock who was also under lockdown in the parliament building.