French officials suspect pranksters in a rash of fake bomb threats and warn of heavy punishments
By ELAINE GANLEY
Associated Press
PARIS (AP) — The Palace of Versailles was forced to evacuate visitors for the fourth time in less than a week for a security check after a bomb alert. Airports and schools around France also fell victim to bomb alerts and forced evacuations after a similar rash of warnings a day earlier. Even a nuclear research institute received a threat Thursday. No bombs have been found. Police have detained 18 people, mostly minors, the interior minister said, in response to the series of airport threats, and evacuations and flight cancellations, this week. Officials threaten prison terms and fines for fake bomb threats.