ERRC Action to Combat Anti-Romani Hate Speech in Russia

14 May 2007

On 8 May 2007, the ERRC sent a letter of concern to Mr Ilya Zaharov, Director of the "lipetsknews.ru" Internet news portal, expressing concern about the continuous association of Roma with criminal activity in the reports of "lipetsknews.ru" which contribute to the perpetuation of stereotypes about alleged widespread criminality amongst Roma. In its letter, which was copied to the Director Central Black Soil Administration of Rosohrancultura, the ERRC urged Mr Zaharov to refrain from publishing reports that incite further hatred and intolerance of Roma. The full text of the letter is available in

• English:
• Russian:

The letter is a component of ongoing ERRC work 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 Ilya Zaharov
Director "lipetsknews.ru" Internet news portal
Email: admin@lipetsknews.ru

Ms Larisa Makeeva
Director Central Black Soil Administration of Rosohrancultura
Voronezh, 394000, К. Marksa Str. 55, Russia
Fax: + 7 4732 545286