Author Archives: Roma Foundation

News Switzerland

Switzerland and Travellers

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Switzerland and Travellers

For lack of camping sites, Travelling Roma from outisde Switzerland try to find spaces where they can stay. They are not really “foreign” as most of them have family ties in Switzerland. Here, a farmer rented a field for 10’000 Swiss Francs until end of September, and he says he was told, this would be for hot air baloon launches. Well, now there are several caravans, and he is getting threatened bu locals.

Czech Republic News Eastern Europe

Racist Attack

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Racist Attack

The podcast SODAcast discusses a recent racist attack on two Roma, highlighting the court’s decision to sentence the attacker to two years in prison, which is not yet final as the defendant has appealed.

The hosts criticize the lack of media coverage on the case, particularly from public broadcasters, and emphasize the importance of such cases for building trust among Roma communities in state institutions.

The podcast also addresses issues of long-term segregation of Roma children in schools, the recent suspension of Roma TV due to low viewership, and the ongoing discussions about the influence of the Government Council for Roma Minority Affairs.

https://youtu.be/UW63huMM30k

Germany News Western Europe

Invisible Minorities

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Invisible Minorities

The article discusses the concept of concealed identity, particularly among Roma and Jewish communities, highlighting the historical reasons for hiding one’s ethnic background due to discrimination and violence.

It explores the complexities of transgenerational concealed identity, where descendants inherit the burden of hidden heritage, often feeling alienated from both majority and minority groups.

The author reflects on personal experiences and the emotional resonance of identity, emphasizing the struggle between societal labels and personal resonance in defining one’s self.

Germany News Western Europe

Young Roma in Germany

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Young Roma in Germany

The documentary addresses the challenges faced by Sinti and Roma communities, highlighting deep-rooted prejudices and anti-Roma sentiment in society.

It features a film that follows four young Roma individuals who are challenging stereotypes and advocating for self-empowerment while navigating their cultural identity and societal challenges.

The young Roma generation is increasingly resisting discrimination in education, housing, and employment, striving for equal opportunities and societal recognition.

News Eastern Europe Romania

Illegal Houses

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Illegal Houses

The Romanian government has amended the urban planning and construction code to allow municipalities to legalize unauthorized constructions, including those built without permits, until August 2027.

This change is seen as a political maneuver to gain favor with voters ahead of the 2028 elections, particularly benefiting mayors who have historically allowed illegal constructions in rural areas.

The new regulations raise concerns about safety and legality, as they may enable the legalization of unsafe buildings and increase the power of mayors in local governance.

News Eastern Europe Romania

Romani Culture

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Romani Culture

The Ministry of Culture in Romania has launched a pilot program to support and promote Roma culture, led by the Musical Theater “Ambasadorii”.

The initiative aims to involve Roma artists in theater productions and highlight their cultural contributions through workshops, conferences, and artistic development activities.

The project is seen as a step towards establishing a dedicated public institution for Roma performances by 2027, although immediate establishment is hindered by financial and administrative constraints.

Bulgaria News Eastern Europe

Murder Case

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Murder Case

A brutal murder occurred in the town of Sŭedinenie, Plovdiv. The victim is a 21-year-old Rom and the perpetrator is a former police officer.

The victim had a history of criminal behavior, primarily theft, and was known to have mental health issues, which complicated his legal situation. The deceased, Mitko, had a history of robbing former police officer Todor Lapkov, who ultimately killed him after a confrontation over a theft.

Czech Republic News Eastern Europe

Roma TV

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Roma TV

The article discusses the fate of Roma TV in the Czech Republic, which aimed to provide a platform for Romani culture and personalities through IPTV operators, broadcasting 10 hours daily.

The programming included shows featuring Romani figures, cooking segments, music programs, and documentaries, but faced challenges in acquiring films and competitions due to high costs.

Roma TV was funded solely through donations, not public funds, and despite its closure, there is hope for its return as it provided opportunities for many Romani individuals.

News Eastern Europe Romania

Corruption?

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Corruption?

The article discusses the alleged corruption and mismanagement within the Romani Party in Vaslui, Romania, highlighting the lack of progress in integrating the Romani community despite significant funding over the years.

Activist Valeriu Nicolae criticizes the leadership of the Romani Party, describing it as corrupt and ineffective, and emphasizes that the Romani people are the ones suffering from this corruption.

The article also details a recent scandal involving the Romani Party’s leadership, leading to the suspension of its local structures and the dismissal of key figures due to allegations of misconduct and financial mismanagement.

Hungary News Eastern Europe Slovakia

Relocation – Slovak View

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Relocation – Slovak View

The relocation of several Roma families from an illegal settlement in Košice to Hungary has sparked political support for local mayor Lenka Kovačevičová from Zoroslav Kollár and his party, Právo na pravdu.

Kollár views the controversy surrounding the relocation as a positive step, advocating for better living conditions for both Roma and non-Roma communities.

Martin Halás from Právo na pravdu claims that families moving to Hungary faced police harassment, leading to legal actions against the Hungarian police and appeals to various political entities.

Hungary News Eastern Europe Slovakia

Relocation – Hungarian Reporting

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Relocation – Hungarian Reporting

Lenka Kovačevičová, Mayor of the Košice-Lázně District, claims there are 15 illegal settlements in Košice, housing around 2600 people in dire conditions without basic utilities, prompting the formation of a civic association to assist affected families.

The mayor of Košice apparently supports the relocation of Roma families to Szalonna, Hungary, emphasizing their right to freedom of movement and criticizing media narratives suggesting forced relocations.

The Právo na pravdu party advocates for Roma issues, with leaders expressing confidence in addressing these social problems if Kovačevičová becomes mayor, while criticizing the current mayor and Hungarian authorities for their treatment of Roma citizens.

Greece News Western Europe

Clashes in Greece

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Clashes in Greece

Two police officers were slightly injured during a clash with a group of young individuals attempting to free an 18-year-old suspect outside the Police Station in Piniou, Greece.

The incident occurred on August 15, when the police were attacked by three young Roma individuals while escorting the detained suspect, who was wanted for fraud.

Targeted police operations in Roma settlements were conducted in Argolis, Corinthia, and Messinia, resulting in the arrest of 14 individuals for various offenses.

In Argolis, 21 individuals were checked, leading to 5 arrests, while in Corinthia and Messinia, 13 and 21 individuals were checked respectively, with 4 and 5 arrests made.

This is escalating …

Bulgaria News Eastern Europe

Neo-Nazis in Bulgaria

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Neo-Nazis in Bulgaria

The Bulgarian police raides a private club associated with the international neo-Nazi organization “Blood and Honour” in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. The organisation is connected to nationalism and recent violent events.

Boryan Rasate, a nationalist figure, expresses disdain for the media’s portrayal of the incident, arguing that the focus on a few Nepalese individuals being attacked overshadows the daily violence faced by Bulgarians.

Rasate claims that the actions of the youth involved in a recent murder were not premeditated but rather a result of youthful recklessness, criticizing the media for sensationalizing the events and diverting attention from more pressing issues in society.

Montenegro News Eastern Europe

Montenegro – Equal Opportunity

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Montenegro – Equal Opportunity

The NGO for the support of Roma and Egyptians emphasizes that educational inclusion must be measured by tangible opportunities for children, such as access to schools and scholarships, rather than just strategies and public messages.

Positive progress has been noted in the educational and social inclusion of Roma and Egyptians in Montenegro, with the Ministry of Education playing a key role in improving their situation.

The organization stresses the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders, including the Roma community, to create effective policies and ensure equal educational opportunities for all children.

Czech Republic News Eastern Europe

Roma Film Festival IROFF

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Roma Film Festival IROFF

The IROFF International Romani Film Festival will return to Prague from September 10 to 13. After last year’s zero year, it will offer four days of film screenings, two Czech premieres, discussions with filmmakers, concerts and exhibitions. The program was presented today at a press conference by Petr Ščuka from the organizing organization Identity Prague. The festival will take place at several locations in the metropolis.

https://youtu.be/rJco6QraHf8

Bulgaria News Eastern Europe

Neo-Nazis in Bulgaria

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Neo-Nazis in Bulgaria

The rise of neo-Nazi groups in Bulgaria, particularly the ‘Blood and Honor’ club, and their connections to a broader culture of ethnic nationalism and authoritarianism is discussed in both articles.

It highlights incidents of violence linked to these groups, including attacks on minorities and the normalization of extremist ideologies in society.

The authors argues that the current political climate in Bulgaria fosters an environment where such ideologies can thrive, often under the guise of patriotism and strength.

News Eastern Europe Serbia

Really???

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Really???

A Roma settlement in Braća, Serbia, is being evicted. Instead of being offered alternative lodgings, the legal team of Initiative A 11 reports that the Social Work Center has offered some residents of the option to separate their children into alternative care, which harmful and illegal.

This practice contradicts the best interests of the child, who should live with their parents.

News Switzerland

Travellers in Switzerland

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Travellers in Switzerland

The municipality of Wädenswil in the canton of Zurich has opened a stopping place for Jenische and Sinti travelers, following renovations costing nearly half a million Swiss Francs.

Despite this new facility, there remains a significant shortage of stopping places for travelers in the Zurich region. The ongoing need for more designated areas for traveling communities highlights the challenges faced in accommodating their needs.

What also needs to be said, is that these places are limited to Swiss travellers. Sinti and Roma from outside Switzerlands are not welcome!

News Western Europe Portugal

Indicted for Racism

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Indicted for Racism

Rui Cristina, the mayor of Albufeira, faces charges of discrimination and incitement to hatred after controversial remarks about the local Roma community’s access to housing.

The Portuguese Public Prosecutor’s Office announced the charges following an investigation that included searches at the Albufeira town hall, initiated by a complaint from a local council member.

Cristina’s statements, made during a municipal assembly meeting, allegedly portrayed the Roma community as tax evaders, potentially inciting hatred and discrimination against them.

News Eastern Europe News Switzerland Romania

You Don’t Belong Here

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You Don’t Belong Here

“You Don’t Belong Here” won the Golden Leopard for Best Film at the Locarno Film Festival, presenting a moral drama set in small-town Romania, exploring themes of family crisis and societal issues.

The film follows Marius, a surgeon, and his son Ioan, who becomes involved in a violent incident involving racist youths targeting Roma families, leading to a confrontation that impacts their lives.

The narrative examines the complexities of father-son relationships, masculinity, and social violence, using a restrained cinematic style to provoke reflection on personal and societal responsibilities.

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