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The largest illegal travellers' camp in Britain has found a divine ally in its survival battle. Jerome Taylor reports
Friday, 15 May 2009
To say that Marianne McCarthy is house-proud would be something of an understatement. The dainty gravel garden outside her two bedroom prefab is immaculately kept, boasting two freshly painted miniature cannons and a host of cheerful garden gnomes to greet her visitors. Step through her front door and the inside of the house is spotless. A gleaming white kitchen with clear plastic stools leads into a sparse but welcoming sitting room where a simple crucifix, two chandeliers and an embroidered "God Bless Home" sign are the room's only adornments. It's a far cry from what outsiders might expect the 68-year-old widow's home to look like. "Most people think this area will be filthy, with rubbish and sewage and everything," she says. "They think we're dangerous and that you have to come with bullet-proof vests. We've had to put up with all sort of accusations." Mrs McCarthy expects people to have a negative perception of her modest dwelling because the "estate" on which she lives, Dale Farm, where she has called home for the past seven years, is the largest illegal gypsy site in the country. (MORE)Labels: Dale Farm, Gypsy, Gypsy Camp, UK
PRAGUE, Czech Republic, May 13 (UPI) -- A Czech Cabinet minister said he will try to collect money to pay for the removal of a pig farm from the site of a Nazi camp for Gypsies in World War II. Michael Kocab, Czech minister for minorities and human rights, Wednesday said he will urge companies to help form a foundation to provide $35 million to relocate the large pig farm at the southern Bohemian town of Lety, Prague Radio said. In the Lety concentration camp, established by the Nazis in 1942, hundreds of Czech Gypsies, including 241 children, were killed. Addressing a commemoration at Lety, Kocab said he would like to transform the camp site to a memorial. In the 1970s, communist authorities of the former Czechoslovakia built the large pig farm at Lety. The European Parliament and Czech Gypsy rights groups have been unsuccessful for years in urging Prague to relocate the farm. Czech government officials argued they were short of money, the radio said. Labels: Concentration Camp, Czech, Gypsy, Holocaust, Lety, Nazi
PRAGUE, Czech Republic, May 4 (UPI) -- Gypsy vigilantes have been deployed in some regions of the Czech Republic in a bid to oppose rising extremism, Prague Radio said. Gypsy activists, who call themselves Romanies, staged the first ever countrywide peaceful protests Sunday, sparked by an arson assault in mid-April on a Romany family that left a 2-year-old girl hospitalized with serious injuries, the radio said Monday. Several thousand Gypsy protesters gathered Sunday in 14 Czech towns to demonstrate against discrimination of Gypsies. In Chomutov, a town 50 miles northwest of Prague, police had to intervene when several dozen ultra-right extremists, shouting Nazi slogans, attacked one of the Romany marches. Romany activists said they will not hesitate to fight back if their lives are threatened by neo-Nazis. Vigilante groups are now operating in some parts of the country, the radio said. Labels: Czech Republic, Gypsy, Gypsy Violence, Nazi, racial tension, Racism, Vigilantes
BUDAPEST, Hungary, May 4 (UPI) -- U.S. FBI agents are helping Hungarian police investigate a recent series of killings involving Gypsies. The head of Hungary's police Jozsef Bencze said FBI agents analyze evidence they receive from Hungarian police officers and help produce psychological profiles of killers, the Hungarian news agency MTI said Monday. About 100 Hungarian police officers work on some 18 cases which are linked with the killings of Gypsies in northeastern Hungary, Bencze said. The Romany community has about 600,000 members and is the largest ethnic minority in Hungary. Last week, Bencze said he suspects the killings could be blamed on the same group of extremists. Two Gypsies were killed in the town of Nagycsecs in November. A Gypsy father and his 5-year-old son were killed in Tatarszentgyorgy in February and a 54-year-old Gypsy man was shot dead in Tiszalok April 22. A recent public opinion survey found 82 percent of Hungarians hold negative feelings toward members of the Romany minority, MTI said. The survey was carried out among 2,500 adult Hungarians from March 23 to April 7, MTI said. Labels: FBI, Gypsy, Gypsy Violence, Hungary, Roma, United States
NORTH MITROVICA, Kosovo No one seems to care about the gypsies. Displaced by conflict and stranded by bureaucratic inertia, dozens of gypsy families remain on toxic land 10 years after they were relocated there by the United Nations after the Kosovo war. Lead blackens the children's teeth, blanks out memories and stunts growth. Other symptoms of lead poisoning include aggressive behavior, nervousness, dizziness, vomiting and high fever. The children swing between bursts of nervous hyperactivity and fainting spells. Some have epileptic fits. The two resettlement camps — the Osterrode and Chesmin Lug — were established by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in 1999 for gypsies, or Roma, as they are more commonly known in Europe. A traditionally nomadic people, the Roma share a common heritage that sets them apart as an ethnic group, with their largest populations in Central and Eastern Europe. (MORE)Labels: Chesmin Lug Camp, Gypsy, Gypsy Camp, Gypsy Children, Kosovo, Osterrode Camp, Poison, Roma, Toxic Waste, United Nations
By John Nadler / Tiszalök
Friday, May. 01, 2009
Time.com
Jeno Koka's killers shot him in the chest moments after he had bid good night to his wife Eva and stepped from his house on his way to a shift at the nearby pharmaceutical factory where he worked. The 54-year-old grandfather bled to death only a few paces from his doorstep. Although Koka's wife said she never heard the shot that felled her husband, hundreds of thousands of others across Hungary did. Koka's murder on April 22 was the fifth in recent months of a member of Hungary's 600,000-strong Roma community. Hungarian police believe that a small group of killers is targeting Roma, who are also known as gypsies and remain one of the most marginalized and neglected groups in Europe. (MORE)Labels: Gypsy, Gypsy Discrimination, Gypsy Violence, Hungary, racial tension, Racism, Roma
ASYLUM IN CANADA IS NECESSARY UNTIL THE EU CAN GUARANTEE SAFETY
April 25, 2008 Roma Community Centre - Toronto ASYLUM IN CANADA IS NECESSARY UNTIL THE EU CAN GUARANTEE SAFETY The Roma Community Centre in Toronto wishes to bring to the attention of the current Canadian government and the Canadian people the surge in violence that is being perpetrated against the Roma minority in the eastern member states of the European Union. On March 21 in Kosice, Slovakia a group of young Roma boys were forced to kiss each other, slap each other, and then strip naked upon the orders of police who recorded this incident on video on their mobile phones, reminiscent of the events of Abu Ghraib. On April 22 in the town of Tiszalök, the fourteenth murder of a Roma citizen in Hungary was committed. Two weeks ago a Romany woman and her 2 year old daughter were burned severely in Vitkov, Czech Republic, where the daughter suffered second and third degree burns over 80% of her entire body and remains in intensive care. These are just the latest updates in a slew of pogroms that has plagued the region. It was also last week that our Canadian Minister of Immigration, Jason Kenney, claimed that the 993% increase in refugee claimants coming from the Czech Republic was due to unscrupulous commercial operations. We ask him to reconsider his statement prior to the Prime Minister's meeting with the Czech government on May 6, 2009. Amnesty International has recently issued a statement calling on Prime Minister Topolanek of the Czech Republic to ensure that the authorities “duly enquire into all cases of racially motivated attacks, and to impose punishments on the perpetrators that would correspond to the seriousness of their guilt.” We agree with this statement and AI's call on Czech politicians to resolutely condemn all displays of hatred and intolerance, whoever their target. They must make it clear that such conduct is unacceptable and unlawful, something they have failed to do since 1989. The Czech Minister for Human Rights and Minorities, Michael Kocab, called this most recent attack on Roma citizens an act of terrorism. It would be nice to think that there has been a change of heart in the leadership of the Czech nation. Strong words need to be backed by strong actions and unfortunately there has been no evidence of any effort to respect the rights of minorities since the fall of communism, twenty years ago. The Czechs have been receiving the benefits of being a member of the EU without having to do the prerequisite work for it: creating a civil society. They have gained visa free access to Canada as a result of the bargaining power of the EU, yet they have not attempted to remove a pig farm from the site of a former concentration camp for Romanies during the Second World War. They are waiting for funds from the EU to pay for the cost of compliance with the Helsinki Accords. This welfare mentality must stop. Czechs need to live up to EU standards. If the EU failed to hold them accountable in the screening its new members, they need to take a more active role in ensuring compliance from its new member states. Until then Canada should continue to grant asylum to Roma from the eastern EU member states. The Czech Republic is shirking its duty to all of its citizens, not just its Romany citizens who have been present in the Czech lands for over 300 years. Numerous violent attacks go unreported. Doctors often refuse to file medical reports in cases where their testimony is critical in reporting racially motivated attacks, due to fear or reprisal from vigilantes against the medical community. The police are systemically reluctant to act on racially motivated crimes. Twenty years of these types of precedents have created an environment of tacit complicity with the extreme right wing terrorizers. Until the leadership vacuum in the Czech Republic is filled with people willing to address this, the Roma will continue to leave. It is not Canada's job to solve the problems that Czechs, Hungarians, and others in that region have failed to address. Canadians nevertheless should not turn away those individuals who come here seeking safety. We urge Prime Minister Harper in his negotiations to hold the Czechs accountable for their actions while being mindful of the lives he can save by allowing the Roma to continue to come to Canada. Contact: Bill Bila romacommunity@gmail.comLabels: Asylum, Canada, Gypsy, Gypsy Discrimination, Gypsy Violence, Racism, Roma
Written by Chuck Todaro Thursday, 30 April 2009 April 8th marked the Twentieth International Roma Day since the Gypsies of Eastern Europe broke free of the communist’s amalgamated "national minority" status and began openly acknowledging their heritage. However, according to the US State Department 2007 Country Report on Human Rights, Romania, home to Europe’s largest Roma population, is the setting for some of the most pervasive societal violence and discrimination against Roma. "This day offers the press the chance to reverse the usual negative stereotypes," says Roma journalist Rudolf Moca during the ceremonies at the Apalina Public School in the Eastern Transylvania town of Reghin. The day long celebration at Apalina begins in the school courtyard with speeches, the singing of the Roma National anthem Djelem Djelem, followed by a barefoot Roma dance performance, concluding with a skit portraying a confrontation between young Romani men being settled with a dance competition: the fastest dancer possessing the more complicated moves and greatest stamina exits the showdown with his head up and a woman under his arm. Roma day has a special significance for the 4,000 Gypsies living along the two parallel roads at Apalina that bears the reputation as a den of thieves. "Whatever goes missing in town, I can guarantee you can find it at Apalina," comments Maria, a downtown barmaid. "When I go on my jobs, my boss reminds me not to tell them that I am from Apalina, he says to say I’m from somewhere else, or else they wont have any work for me," says Dani Racz, who like many at the Roma of Apalina works the traditional trade of laying paving stones, a skill he learned from his father who learned from his father before him. (MORE)
Labels: Gypsy Children, Gypsy Dance, Gypsy Discrimination, Gypsy Family, Gypsy Violence, International Roma Day, Jobs, Roma, Romania
A north Texas rescue center is pleading for help to save an animal rescued from a hoarded cat situation Gypsy, a 2-year-old Siamese cat, was rescued from a 300 square foot motel room enclosed with almost two dozen other cats. Ronald Teague, 62, was arrested by Plano police March 30 for outstanding warrants including cruelty to animals and theft. Tonja Pfister, Texas Siamese Rescue managing director, said the shelter was contacted by Plano Animal Services about the young cat’s needs. She said Gypsy is a diabetic cat that has not had proper care. “He is grossly underweight and no treatment for diabetes in months,” Pfister said. “X-rays discovered many broken and self-healed unset bones. I do not even want to speculate what he has been through, yet he is still the sweetest cat.” Pfister said in addition to being a diabetic, Gypsy also suffers from ringworms, a urinary tract infection, dehydration and a kidney infection. In order to save Gypsy and give him the care he needs to stay alive, Pfister said the rescue center needs about $1,000. She said Gypsy has to be anaesthetized for blood work, needs x-rays, antibiotics and a glucose curve to ensure he receives the right amount of insulin. “He will need an insulin supply for a month until we can raise a subscription for him,” Pfister said. “It is a very sad day when a survivor and very sweet kitty like Gypsy cannot be saved because of financial constraints.” Pfister said the Siamese Rescue center will be forced to euthanize Gypsy if funds are not collected in 13 days. “He [Teague] might be the only person in the world I would want to physically hurt because of what he has done to this cat,” Pfister said. “I’m not that type of person, but what he did is just awful.” Jonnie England, Metroplex Animal Coalition director of animal advocacy, said when Plano police arrested Teague, she was notified and was appalled by the condition of the motel room. She said the room was wall-to-wall with litter boxes, food bowels and plates. “There were three cats shut in the bathroom and some under the bed and on the furniture,” England said. “The smell was overwhelming.” England said the cats’ conditions varied some being overweight and some being surprisingly underweight. “He is a hoarder, a classic hoarder,” England said. “In the mind of a hoarder they think they can care for these animals the best way possible and there is nothing wrong with the conditions.” Jamey Cantrell, Plano Animal Services manager, said since the cats were recovered, three have been adopted to rescue agencies and staff is trying to find homes for the remaining 18. “Euthanizing is our last resort,” Cantrell said. “We are getting these cats healthy and are hoping to find them a home.” To make a donation for Gypsy visit www.tx.siameserescue.org and click on Support Us. To inquire about the remaining cats in Plano contact Animal Services at 972-769-4360. Contact Stephanie Flemmons at sflemmons@acnpapers.comLabels: Animal Alerts, Animal Cruelty, cats, Texas
Published Date: 30 April 2009
By Matthew Day
THOUSANDS of Hungarian gypsies attended the funeral yesterday of the latest victim in a series of murders that have stoked ethnic tensions and prompted fears that far-right extremists are waging a bloody secret war against the country's largest minority. Jeno Koka, 54, was gunned down last week in the courtyard of his home as he set off to his work in a factory. It came weeks after a gypsy man and his four-year-old son were shot dead after fleeing their home, which had been set on fire by assa Mr Koka's shooting brings the total of murdered gypsies to five in less than a year, and police suspect the killings are related. Matching DNA samples were found at some of the scenes. "These are professional killers," justice minister Tibor Draskovics said. "Neither the police nor I will rest till we have caught them." The clinical execution of Mr Koka – a single shot to the heart – implies, police say, that the murderer had firearms training, so inquiries include the armed forces and even the police. But so far the only leads are that the killer, or killers, may use a black car, and live in Budapest, as the murders have taken place near a motorway. Gypsy rights groups have accused the authorities of complacency when it comes to protecting gypsies, or Roma as they are known. The killings have raised tensions between the country's gypsies, who make up 6 per cent of the population, and the Hungarian majority. Relations between the two groups deteriorated in February after the murder of one of the country's leading handball players, allegedly by a gang of Roma, outside a nightclub. Far-right groups launched a wave of anti-Roma demonstrations, and rights groups believe attacks on gypsies have risen. Labels: Gypsy, Gypsy Violence, Hungary, racial tension, Racism
PRAGUE, Czech Republic, April 28 (UPI) -- Czech Gypsies have called on the pope to help them improve the status of their people, who have suffered discrimination across Europe. Roma Realia, a Czech Romany non-governmental organization, asked Pope Benedict XVI to assist in organizing a debate on the social position of Gypsies in the Czech Republic and in other European countries, Prague Radio said Tuesday. The Romany activists, in a letter to Pope Benedict, warned of the alleged rising animosity between Czechs and Gypsies that they said might slip out of control. The Gypsy activists condemned Czech authorities for lacking knowledge how to cope with the issue. Last week, Vladimir Spidla, European Union's commissioner for employment, social affairs and equal opportunities, said the Romany's discrimination in Europe is unacceptable. Addressing reporters in Prague Friday, Spidla singled out Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic as countries where Gypsies were maltreated or killed on racial motivation, the Serbian news agency Beta reported. Labels: Czechs, Gypsy, Gypsy Discrimination, Gypsy Violence, Pope Benedict, Roma
BUDAPEST, Hungary, April 27 (UPI) -- Hungary's national police chief said he suspects killings of Gypsies in northeastern Hungary could be blamed on the same ring of extremists. Jozsef Bencze said he increased an original reward of $45,000 to $227,000 for information that could lead to the killers of members of the Romany (Gypsy) minority, the Hungarian news agency MTI said Monday. Bencze said two Romanies were killed in the town of Nagycsecs in November, a father and his 5-year-old son were shot dead in Tatarszentgyorgy in February and a 53-year-old Gypsy was shot and killed in Tiszalok Wednesdayas he was about to leave for work in a chemical factory. A 70-officer police team has worked on the three cases. Police questioned about 2,000 people, Bancze said. Labels: Budapest, Gypsy, Gypsy Discrimination, Gypsy Violence, Hungary, racial tension, Racism, Roma
April 27, 2009 The Times says this front-page report by Nicholas Kulish about murderous attacks on Gypsies, or Roma people, in Hungary is the paper's second-most-emailed story. As well it should be. Attacks on Gypsies recall the Holocaust, when as many as 600,000 Roma were exterminated by the Nazis. As Isabel Fonseca and Norman Finkelsteinhave demonstrated, the Holocaust Memorial/Elie Wiesel had trouble making room for the Gypsy victims of the Holocaust. Per Finkelstein, one memorial official said the idea was "cockamamie." (In Night, Wiesel said Roma attacked his dying father in Auschwitz.) Daniel Goldhagen's book on the Holocaust all but completely leaves out the Roma. I have a sense Jewish official attitudes are improving (Mitchell Bard's virtual library seems to honor the Roma experience). The Holocaust Memorial states: The fate of Roma in some ways paralleled that of the Jews. Now when the Roma are facing pogroms and terror in eastern Europe, Jewish groups should express solidarity with their fellow-victims, and be in the forefront of condemning the violence. Posted by Philip Weiss at 03:32 PM Labels: Gypsy, Gypsy Discrimination, Holocaust, Jews, Racism, Roma
Staff Report LAHORE: Around 10 gypsy children went unconscious on Monday after some unidentified person provided them with poisonous rice in F-Block near Liaqat Chowk in the Sabzazar area.Rescue 1122 officials reached the scene and shifted the children to the Jinnah Hospital. The victims were identified as Tanveer Akram (5), Mani (4), Ali Hussain (7), Nirma (4), Moona (4), Ayesha (6), Sidra (7) and Shagufta (4). Labels: Gypsy, Gypsy Children, Gypsy Food, Pakistan, Poison
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