Romani parliament meets in Slovakia

10 April 2001

The first meeting of the International Romani Union Parliament took place in Bratislava on March 3, 2001. A decision was reportedly taken by the Parliament to set up a Romani court to rule in matters affecting the Romani communities, in line with Romani traditions, according to the Czech Press Agency (ČTK). The Chairman of the International Romani Union, Mr Emil Ščuka, told ČTK that the court will only sit in judgement on “moral offences”, such as dishonesty, inconsiderate behaviour and theft. The court reportedly will not deliver prison sentences but will have the power to sentence offenders to banishment from communities or fine them.

(ČTK)