Category Archives: Greece

Greece News Western Europe

This is really bad …

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This is really bad …

A video from a party in Ano Liosia, Greece, shows a chaotic scene where a man is said to threaten police with a knife, raising concerns about law enforcement and public safety in certain areas of Attica.

The video, intended to mock authorities, depicts police retreating to avoid escalating violence, which has led to criticism of their effectiveness and the state’s tolerance of criminal behavior.

The cover picture of the vide says it all. This is bad in every sense of the word. Bad tht it happened, and bad that it is being escalated in the press.

Greece News Western Europe

Roma in Greece

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Roma in Greece

Many members of the Roma community in Greece live on the margins of society, facing poverty, poor housing conditions, and limited access to education and healthcare.

Roma settlements are often located on city outskirts, lacking proper infrastructure and basic utilities, leading to high unemployment and social exclusion.

Despite government programs aimed at better integration, progress is slow due to deeply rooted barriers, including low education rates and widespread discrimination against the Roma.

Greece News Western Europe

Greece and Roma

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Greece and Roma

The Regional Governor of Western Greece, Nektarios Farmakis, has signed the inclusion of two new social structures aimed at enhancing social cohesion, specifically for the Roma community in the municipalities of Ilida and Pindos, with a total budget exceeding €1.38 million.

The project in Ilida will provide personalized social support, educational interventions, and legal guidance to the local Roma population, which constitutes 9% of the area’s total population.

The initiative is part of a broader program to improve living conditions and promote equal participation of all citizens in social and economic life in Western Greece.

Greece News Eastern Europe News Western Europe Romania

Slavery

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Slavery

The article discusses the historical and contemporary devaluation of Roma lives, highlighting a 1852 advertisement for the sale of Roma slaves in Romania.

It explores the etymology of terms used for Romani people, noting the negative connotations associated with the word “Gypsy” and its implications of being marginalized and dehumanized.

The author reflects on societal attitudes towards Romani people, exemplified by the recent police killing of a young Romani man, emphasizing ongoing discrimination and violence against this community.

Greece News Western Europe

Social Integration

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Social Integration

The Greek Central Macedonia Region is implementing a targeted social integration program for vulnerable groups, allocating 3 million euros through regional funding to support Roma children and parents.

The program will cover seven municipalities with significant Roma populations, including areas in western Thessaloniki and the regions of Veria and Naousa.

The initiatives align with the National Strategy for Roma 2021-2030, aiming to enhance social cohesion and create a protective network for the most vulnerable social groups.

Greece News Western Europe

Police Operations

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Police Operations

Targeted police operations were conducted in Messinia, Argolis, and Corinthia as part of the Greek Police’s efforts to prevent and combat crime, particularly in areas inhabited by Roma communities. In Messinia, checks focused on camps in Meligalas, Panagakia, and Agia Triada, resulting in the arrest of 10 individuals for various offenses.

A 46-year-old Roma woman was arrested in Kalamata for not possessing a police identity card, and five traffic violations were recorded during the operations.

Seems meagre if, as the Greek press reports, Roma are responsible for the majority of the criminality in the country… What about the officials who embezzled millions of EU agrar help?

Greece News Western Europe

Heat and Roma

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Heat and Roma

The Community Center of Sparta conducted an awareness campaign to prevent heatstroke, focusing on local Roma settlements.

The initiative aimed to educate vulnerable populations about the dangers of extreme heat, particularly for children who are often outdoors during peak sun hours.

Social workers provided information and distributed illustrated pamphlets with safety tips to ensure the message was accessible to all age groups.

Nice but what about better housing?

Greece News Western Europe

Brawl in Greece

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Brawl in Greece

Serious incidents occurred in the early hours of Thursday (July 16) in the Prosfygika in a refugee area of Patras, where two groups of Roma clashed, resulting in two injuries and subsequent hospitalizations, along with two arrests.

A report indicated that around midnight, near the intersection of Smyrnis and Nikaias streets, an individual snatched a chain from a woman’s neck, prompting her to call for help, which escalated into significant disturbances. Strong police forces arrived at the scene, leading to the detention of three individuals and the formation of a case against two others.

Bad for all.

Greece News Western Europe

Roma in Crete

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Roma in Crete

The president of the Pan-Cretan Association of Greek Roma, Athanasios Katsaris, criticizes the Municipality of Heraklion and the State for the poor living conditions in the Roma settlement of Nea Alikarnassos, Crete, which he claims have remained unchanged for years.

He describes the living conditions as “miserable” and “inhumane,” stating that there is a lack of necessary care for the public health of the residents, who are citizens entitled to equal treatment.

Katsaris plans to protest at the next Heraklion Municipal Council meeting, demanding specific commitments and timelines to address the issues affecting the dignity and health of the settlement’s residents.

Greece News Western Europe

Crime in Greece

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Crime in Greece

Another article whereby crime in Greece is basically a Roma problem… According to the article, two criminal organizations, primarily composed of Roma members, were dismantled in Athens and Piraeus, targeting expensive jewelry and watches.

The groups operated with a high level of professionalism, using coded language and disguises to commit thefts, resulting in a total loot of around two million euros.

Authorities emphasize the importance of public awareness regarding suspicious phone calls from scammers posing as utility workers or insurance agents.

Let’s talk about real criminalirty and the embezelment of EU agro funds at all levels of the Greek government …

Greece News Western Europe

Brawl in Hospital

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Brawl in Hospital

Several articles in the Greek press about a brawl in a hospital where family members of a Rom protested when his cat scan was delayed due to other emergencies. This resulted in increased police patrols, but to no arrests.

Bad.

Greece News Western Europe

Greece and Evictions

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Greece and Evictions

The Council of Europe Human Rights Commissioner has raised concerns about the eviction risk faced by a Roma community in Greece, highlighting potential human rights violations.

Michael O’Flaherty emphasized that informal Roma settlements can be considered homes under the European Convention on Human Rights, and evictions without alternative housing could infringe on their rights.

The case involves five Roma citizens alleging violations of their rights due to an administrative protocol aimed at evicting them from their long-term settlement, risking their access to essential services and security.

Greece News Western Europe

Integration?

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Integration?

A new initiative in Patras aims to support and integrate Roma communities through the establishment of a ‘Roma Neighborhood Center’ with a budget of €797,513.77, as part of the Western Greece 2021-2027 program.

The initiative focuses on direct engagement with Roma families to identify and address their challenges, particularly in areas with high Roma populations facing social issues and crime.

The center will utilize music as a tool for social change, promoting education, community participation, and positive role models for Roma children, in collaboration with distinguished Roma artists.

So basically, they are using stereotypes … So far, this has not shown real success anywhere.

Greece News Western Europe

Roma Gatherings

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Roma Gatherings

The presence of Roma in public spaces in Mytilene has reached an intolerable level for residents and visitors, leading to public health and safety concerns due to poor hygiene conditions.

The Mayor of Rhodes, Alexandros Koliadis, and Deputy Mayor Kostas Chalkias visited the Dodecanese Police Directorate to discuss concerns about gatherings of Roma on the island.

The municipal authorities are worried about the emergence of new unauthorized gathering places for Roma and are considering involving the Prosecutor’s Office if necessary.

Bad …

Greece News Western Europe

Greece, Police, and Roma

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Greece, Police, and Roma

An article in the Bulgarian press about Police raids in Roma settlements in Greece.

In Nea Zoi, Greece, police operations targeting Roma families have become a regular occurrence, with over 76 raids in six months, involving hundreds of officers, under the guise of maintaining public order.

These actions are part of a broader European trend of criminalizing marginalized communities, with Greece serving as a testing ground for policies that blur the lines between internal policing and border control.

The rhetoric surrounding these operations often frames them as necessary for public safety, perpetuating a narrative that associates Roma identity with crime, while lacking significant international oversight or condemnation.

Greece News Western Europe

Roma in Greece

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Roma in Greece

The greek Roma community of Gerakas expresses strong protest in an opebn letter against frequent police operations targeting their settlement, citing issues with illegal electricity connections due to inadequate infrastructure.

The community emphasizes that they are not using electricity illegally to avoid payment, but rather due to the state’s failure to provide proper connections.

The letter calls for immediate state intervention to address long-standing issues and criticizes the government for misusing European funds instead of promoting social integration for the Roma community.

Greece News Western Europe

A Row

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A Row

Romani singer Vasilis Paiteris, who has been politically active since 1993, is facing a lawsuit from Aphrodite Latinopoulou, president of the party “Voice of Logic,” for insulting her dignity.

The conflict satarted when Aphrodite Latinopoulou called him “gyftos” (a pejorative term for Roma in Greek). He responded  by making a provocative remark about Latinopoulou’s appearance, which led to her filing the lawsuit.

In a recent TV appearance, Paiteris expressed willingness to apologize and invited Latinopoulou for coffee to discuss reconciliation, suggesting that 700,000 Romani voters could support her if she seeks forgiveness.

Greece News Western Europe

Thessaloniki Settlement

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Thessaloniki Settlement

The article discusses ongoing issues in Thessaloniki, Greece, regarding the illegal settlement and eviction of Roma families from the Tsairia area, highlighting a complex legal and social backdrop.

Despite proposed solutions for relocating 12 families (about 200 members), progress has stalled due to resistance from the Roma community, citing cultural differences.

The European Court of Human Rights has mandated that the Greek state ensure the dignity of the Roma during relocation, while local officials express frustration over the situation affecting other citizens without homes.

Greece News Western Europe

Roma History and Inclusion

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Roma History and Inclusion

Panagiotis Charitos is a prominent social worker in Greece, dedicated to the education, social inclusion, and empowerment of Roma communities, with a strong academic background and extensive professional experience.

He has initiated various programs and projects aimed at improving educational access for Roma children, including the establishment of a Creative Activity Center and a Football Academy for Roma children.

Charitos has also been active in local politics, serving as a municipal councilor and advocating for Roma rights and social policies that promote equality and inclusion.

He is involved in the first Greek magazine dedicated to the history and culture of the Roma, titled “Unknown Culture of the Roma,” aims to document and preserve Roma heritage and promote positive examples from the community.

The magazine is a collective effort involving Roma scientists, educators, and community members, focusing on the rich traditions, values, and contributions of the Roma people.

It seeks to combat stereotypes and promote understanding between Roma communities and wider society, emphasizing the importance of equal opportunities and respect for Roma culture.

Greece News Western Europe

Roma History

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Roma History

Two articles in the Greek press about the origins and history of Roma. These articles were propted by a feud on live TV Greek singer Vasilis Paiteris continues his public feud with MEP Afroditi Latinopoulou, questioning her stance in times of war and admitting he mistakenly voted for her party due to a friend’s candidacy. Paiteris labels Latinopoulou a “big racist” for her views on the Roma community, asserting that he will only apologize if she retracts her derogatory comments about them. During this, they both used the term “gyftos” that is considered to be pejorative.

The two articles are quite astonishingly accurate, with some debatable points. They also dwell on the origins of the various names given to Roma.

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