Rights Organisations Urge Prevention and Prosecution of Racist Attacks in Serbia

In light of the recent violent anti-Roma protests in Jabuka, Pančevo municipality in Serbia, the European Roma Rights Centre and the Minority Rights Centre (MRC) wrote to the government and the police to urge the full investigation and prosecution of all responsible perpetrators. Since 10 June 2010, almost every evening, non-Romani residents of the town have been organising protests, shouting violent threats and attempting to injure Roma destroy and Romani property with bricks and arson. At least two children have been injured and one house destroyed. A number of Romani families have left the village, while the other Romani residents are unable to leave their homes fearing further violence.

The ERRC and MRC called on the Minister of Interior and Chief of Police to undertake concerted efforts to reduce the tension and end violence in Jabuka, including increasing the presence of police patrols to adequately ensure the safety of the residents at all times and to prevent any further attacks. Furthermore, the groups call for a prompt and thorough investigation into the violent protests to identify and prosecute all perpetrators of violence, destruction of property or incitement to hatred.

The full text of the letter is availableHERE.