Czech paper incorrectly reports Roma causing harm in Raspenava

The newspaper Parlamentní listy has joined the list of Czech media tarnishing the reputation of Roma in the country by publishing incomplete or unverified information about them. The paper has published an article under the headline: “Testimony: Roma and the Red Cross causing harm in flooded Raspenava.”

In the article, author Jana Šulcová writes the following on the basis of testimony from a local woman: “The Raspenava resident says a big problem is being caused in the area not only by the Red Cross, but also by undisciplined Roma. ‘They are coming to the hostels and taking places from those who need them,’ Magda Zemanová told news server Parlamentnilisty.cz. Josef Holek, Roma Coordinator for Liberec Region, did not want to make a definitive comment on the Raspenava situation allegedly caused by the Roma ethnicity. ‘I have asked the Police of the Czech Republic to investigate that claim. The police have agreed and sent a staff member to that area to verify whether or not it is the case,’ Holek told Parlamentnilsty.cz, adding that he did not yet know the results of the investigation.”

Today Holek told news server Romea.cz the report was based on a misunderstanding. “The whole thing has already been resolved. What happened was that one Roma family, which visited one of the hostels for lunch just like the other flood victims, didn’t want the Chinese soup on offer.” Holek said the family went to eat somewhere else. “We have discussed the matter with Ms Zemanová and everything is ok now,” Holek said.