Hollande calls for tougher laws on anti-Semitism and race hate

French President Francois Hollande has laid out proposals to strengthen laws on anti-Semitic, racist and homophobic hate crimes.

Speaking at a Jewish group's dinner in Paris, Mr Hollande reassured Jews they were welcome and safe in France. He also noted that Muslims were coming under increasing attacks.

His proposals come after 17 people were killed during the Charlie Hebdo shootings and a kosher supermarket siege last month.

France is still on high alert following the attacks.

Addressing the dinner yesterday, Mr Hollande said he wanted "faster, more effective sanctions" against hate speech.

Hundreds of Jewish graves were desecrated in eastern France earlier this month while French Muslim groups have also reported a rise in Islamophobic incidents following the Charlie Hebdo attacks.

BBC