Stranded MEPs Make Do In Strasbourg Lockdown
Fakhir Rizvi Published December 12, 2018 | 10:48 AM
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.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Journalists call for global action to end Gaza’s humanitarian crisis
CM for generating opportunities to bring direct int'l investment
Pakistan retains position in FTSE secondary emerging market
High Commissioner of Malaysia hosts Iftar dinner reception
NEPRA announces 2nd quarterly adjustment in power bills with Rs 1.68 cut per uni ..
Hoopo Inc. Collaborates with SAU to Install Solar-Powered RO Plant
04 killed in Spain as Storm Nelson looms
Russian military jet crashes into sea off Crimea: Governor
Rain-windstorm/thunderstorm likely at various parts of country
Implementation of Sindh Agriculture Workers Act-2019 demanded
Pandemic accord talks heading for extra time
Khawaja reiterates PM commitment to judiciary
More Stories From World
-
Bus plunges off S.Africa bridge killing 45: ministry
1 hour ago -
S.Africa's ex-president Zuma barred from May election
2 hours ago -
Tax the rich: slow progress on the international front
2 hours ago -
Bus plunges off S.Africa bridge killing 45: ministry
2 hours ago -
Russia sentences journalist to 2 years in prison, detains others
2 hours ago -
France asks for foreign help for Olympics security: officials
3 hours ago
-
04 killed in Spain as Storm Nelson looms
3 hours ago -
Russian military jet crashes into sea off Crimea: Governor
3 hours ago -
Pandemic accord talks heading for extra time
3 hours ago -
French parliament backs bill against hair discrimination affecting black women
3 hours ago -
Russia says 'evidence' links Ukraine to Moscow attack
3 hours ago -
Russian shelling kills three in Ukraine, officials say
3 hours ago