ERRC: …This year alone in Bulgaria, a Romani political party headquarters was targeted with a bomb, killing the man who went to pick it up. In Slovakia an off-duty policeman shot two Romani people dead and injured three others, and Romani families were shot at while they were being evicted. And in Hungary, Roma have been targeted with death threats, as unknown perpetrators sprayed graffiti saying ‘gypsies you will burn’ as well as swastikas.
Roma in the Czech Republic face a particularly difficult time, as far-right groups have organized protests and demonstrations, whipping up anti-Roma sentiment. Media reports show at least 22 attacks against Roma in the least year alone, including six deaths. One man was shot with a crossbow and a Romani woman was kicked and punched in the head before being stabbed.
“These continued violent attacks against Roma are completely unacceptable in today’s Europe,” said Dezideriu Gergely, Executive Director of the ERRC. “Authorities must act to prevent violence and loss of life, and to investigate thoroughly and prosecute when it does occur. The right to life is the most fundamental right. The social inclusion of Roma will not progress if Roma are under regular attack.”… (more)
