No justice after anti-Romani attacks in Russia

07 November 2001

The ERRC has documented recent attacks on Roma in the town of Alexandrov, approximately 90 kilometres northeast of Moscow. According to ERRC field research, on August 31, 2001, 31-year-old Mr Vladimir Kozlov was walking down a street in the town, when he was approached by a non-Romani man and woman, who started to harass Mr Kozlov and call him "Gypsy". The two non-Roma then took iron pipes and began to beat Mr Kozlov. Three more men and women then came and joined in beating him as Mr Kozlov attempted to defend himself. Mr Kozlov's brother Yanush Kozlov then reportedly arrived and his intervention ended the fight. Mr Kozlov did not go to hospital to have medical treatment, but sustained numerous bruises during the attack. He did not file a complaint with the police. However, one of the attackers went to hospital and requested medical treatment as he had three broken ribs. While in hospital, the attacker accused the Roma of having beaten him.

The ERRC has recently begun a pilot project monitoring Roma rights in Russia, and intends to considerably expand activities there in the coming years, due to the prevalence of reports of anti-Romani violence in Russia, and the evident apathy of authorities in acting to combat anti-Romani action.

(ERRC)