ERRC Action to Combat Hate Speech Against Roma on Russian Media Portals

07 March 2007

Anti-Romani hate speech endemic on Russian media portals

On 6 March 2007, the ERRC sent a letter of concern to Mr Pavel Gorshkov, Executive Director of the Russian media portal "Regions", expressing concern about the regular linkage of Roma with crime in the titles and content of news published on the portal, which incites anti-Romani sentiment in Russia. In its letter, which was copied to the Director of the Central Regional Administration of Rosohrancultura, the ERRC urged Mr Gorshkov to review the policy of the portal toward persons belonging to minority groups, in particular Roma, and to refrain from publishing reports that incite further hatred and intolerance of Roma.

The full text of the letter is available:

• In English:
• In Russian:

The letter is a component of ongoing work by the ERRC in the Russian Federation to combat hate speech against Roma. Since 2006, the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs has supported ERRC work in the Russian Federation.

Persons wishing to express similar concerns are urged to contact:

Mr Pavel Gorshkov
Executive Director, Publishing House "Regions"
p/o 77, 125009, Moscow, Russia
Tel/Fax: +7 495 6507180

Mr Alexander Haev
Director, Central Regional Administration of Rosohrancultura
Malaya Nikitskaya str. 12, Moscow 630091, Russia
Fax: + 7 495 2904573