Berlusconi criticized in Brussels over anti-Roma remarks

A liberal lawmaker in Brussels and Roma rights advocates Wednesday demanded an apology from Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi over his calls for "zero tolerance" towards Roma, illegal immigrants and criminals. Berlusconi made the comments at the start of the election campaign leading to next April’s general election, in which he is vying for a third term in office.

In a statement made available in Brussels, Member of the European Parliament Viktoria Mohacsi said: "These words are simply shameful and unacceptable from the former prime minister of an EU member state."

Mohacsi said public figures should refrain from making statements "that encourage or incite to hate and stigmatisation of the Roma on the basis of their ethnic origin."

Her comments were backed by dozens of non-governmental organizations representing the rights of some 10 million Roma living in Europe (more here…).

Berlusconi has since defended his comments.

"I don’t think that talking about zero tolerance towards Roma and illegal immigrants is about racism," he said on Porta a Porta, a political chat show broadcast on Tuesday by Italy’s RAI1 television network.

The media magnate and former premier, who heads a centre-right coalition, again accused Roma camps of breeding criminals.