French Justice Minister Mr Dominique Perben said this morning he was reviewing possible ways to appeal a court ruling that freed 92-year-old Nazi collaborator Mr Maurice Papon.
The former Vichy official had been sentenced to 10 years in prison in 1998 after being found guilty of complicity in the deportation of more than 1,500 Jews from the southwestern city of Bordeaux. But he was released from jail on medical grounds.
"I've asked my services in the chancellery to study this affair to see if we can lodge an appeal," Mr Perben said.
"Feelings are running high, particularly among the families of the victims," he said after Papon was released from jail yesterday, having served just three years for crimes against humanity.
Prosecutors at the Paris appeals court said they were re-examining the case to determine whether the ruling could be appealed on the grounds that Mr Papon's release disturbs public order.
Mr Perben said the concept went beyond mere demonstrations to include the idea of "disturbing the public spirit.
"It would be useful for the highest court of appeal to have the chance to rule on the consequences of this, given that it's a question of crimes against humanity".
Mr Perben said President Jacques Chirac had also "felt the strong emotions of those directly involved in this affair".
AFP