The recent commission of a violent crime which the Czech media and the victim allege was committed by Romani people has prompted a wave of ostracism among the non-Romani residents of the town of Břeclav. The IQ Roma servis civic association, which works with Romani people in Břeclav, is now speaking up after conducting interviews with many of their adult and child clients, bringing forward the authentic feelings, opinions and testimonies of members of the Romani community about this situation.

Young Romani people in Břeclav are currently being subjected to behavior which they perceive as an assault on their basic human rights, be it when they are online, out in public, or in the schools. Some of them, especially the youngest of them, do not understand the majority society’s behavior and are afraid. The pedagogical staff of IQ Roma servis, who work daily with these youth at a recreational club and during individual instruction, have noted an impact on these children’s basic self-respect and sense of belonging to Czech society as well as their increased anxiety.

Some examples of what the children have been saying:

„…it’s happening again, now we all have to pay for this, I don’t even know what to think about it – the people who did it should have to be ones who suffer! I don’t want to hear these insults anymore…“ (age 9).

„We were standing in line at the lunch counter and two [students] were saying there’s going to be a demonstration and the ‚Gypsies‘ shouldn’t even leave the house on that day or they would see what would happen. Then they looked at me and kept up their insults. Today at school no one would speak to me. My fellow pupils were also saying nasty things.“ (age 15)

„I know the boy they beat up too, and I am also sorry for what happened to him, but you can’t keep on tarring everyone with the same brush! Especially the people writing about how [the assailants] were ‚darkies’… I think that’s unfair, and I don’t feel well when I read these commentaries. Don’t speak in the plural, there are also Gypsies who are made of flesh and blood like normal people – they have hearts and can put themselves in other people’s shoes, not everyone is like you think!!!!!! I hope everyone reads this!!“ (age 15)

Adult Romani people in Břeclav have been shaken by the violent crime, since most of them are parents themselves. However, they are just as shaken by the planned march by the Workers‘ Youth, which targets their community. At a minimum, they and their families are being subjected to psychological threats. Among the clients of IQ Roma servis, the predominant feeling is that of fear. However, signs that these people will stand up for their dignity and for their children’s future are also beginning to surface.

Some examples of the Romani adults‘ responses:

„I condemn the crime and I am very sorry the perpetrators have been labeled as Romani residents of Břeclav. I hope the people who so brutally attacked that boy will be apprehended and punished. If the march were to be a peaceful demonstration of support for injured Petr and a condemnation of violence, I would be happy to join it. However, I am concerned that extremists will exploit the situation and it will only lead to more violence.“ (A young mother of three children).

„I condemn the crime. That sort of violence should never take place. I do believe the perpetrators will be apprehended and punished. I disagree with the march. I am concerned it will not be a march condemning violence and supporting Petr, but that it will unleash a wave of hatred against Romani people. We would like the town to stand up for us and condemn the idea that we should bear the blame for what these individuals did, whether they were Romani or not.“ (Father of a family).

The IQ Roma servis organization is calling on all residents of Břeclav not to join Sunday’s extremist-connected event. Those who want to support Petr, his family, and the interests of security for all should stand up in a constructive way that will not suppress Romani people’s human right to human dignity in this society. IQ Roma servis very much appreciates the active approach taken by the leadership of Břeclav Municipality and believes that a common way forward toward mutual coexistence will continue unencumbered by memories of any kind of violence, including psychological violence.

Source: Romea.cz
Date: 20.04.2012