Photo Gallery Murders in Toulouse Influence French Election
The deadly attacks in Toulouse have not only shaken France, but have also changed the course of the presidential election campaign. Before the brutal murders, President Nicolas Sarkozy was struggling in the polls. But calling for unity in reaction to the crisis, he's now gained new momentum and confidence.
Mohammed Merah holed up in his Toulouse apartment for more than 30 hours before he was killed tyring to escape from a window. Here, special forces at the scene.
Foto: PASCAL GUYOT/ AFP
While the stand off was going on, French President Nicolas Sarkozy attended the funeral of three soldiers allegedly killed by Merah. "This man wanted to bring the Republic to its knees, but the Republic did not yield," Sarkozy said.
Foto: LIONEL BONAVENTURE/ AFP
Meanwhile his Socialist campaign opponent Francois Hollande, shown here, was forced to remain silent as Sarkozy invoked one of the central ideals of the French Republic, "unité," or unity.
Foto: JEAN-PHILIPPE ARLES/ REUTERS
The attacks perpetrated by Merah, shown here in a video clip, have given Sarkozy an unexpected boost in French opinion polls.
Foto: AFP/ France 2
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