Czech PM Jiří Rusnok to honor the memory of Romani Holocaust victims at Lety

On 1 August 2013 at 20:00 CET a commemorative ceremony and cultural program will take place at the former concentration camp for Romani people at Lety. After laying wreaths at the monument to the victims of the Lety camp, those present will be addressed by Czech Prime Minister Jiří Rusnok, by the chair of the Romani Society of Moravia, Karel Holomek, and by a representative of the German Embassy, Robert Klinke.

The second part of the commemorative ceremony will involve Romani songs performed by the musical group Bachtale Apsa with Mário Bihári. Actress and singer Bára Hrzánová will guest-perform with the group.

Participation in this event has been confirmed or promised by the following guests:  Czech Foreign Affairs Minister Jan Kohout, Czech Culture Minister Jiří Balvín, Deputy Education Minister Eva Bartoňová, Czech Senator Pavel Eybert, a representative of the US Embassy, South Bohemian Regional Governor Jiří Zimola, Czech Government Human Rights Commissioner Monika Šimůnková, Mayor of Lety Blanka Hlavínová, mayors of the surrounding villages, Christian Democratic Party Vice-Chair Jan Bartošek, and the staff of the Lidice Memorial.

This date in August was chosen for its historical significance. On 1 August 1942 the "gypsy camp" at Lety was established.

On 2 August we commemorate the closing of the Romani concentration camp at Auschwitz, which involved almost 3 000 Romani and Sinti people being executed in one night. In several countries 2 August is correctly considered the "International Day of the Victims of the Romani Holocaust".

On 8 August 1943 the "gypsy camp" at Lety was closed.