Anti-Romani Sentiment Rife in Russian Media

19 June 2007

As part of its ongoing work to combat hate speech against Roma in the Russian Federation, the ERRC sent a letter to the head of a Russian media outlet "regions.ru" expressing its concern over the outlet's portrayal of Roma in its publication. In its letter to Mr Pavel Gorshkov, executive director of regions.ru, the ERRC expressed its concern about the regular linkage of Roma with crime in the titles and content of news articles published on the Internet portal, which incite anti-Romani sentiment in Russia. The ERRC urged Mr Gorshkov and to review regions.ru's editorial policy and cease publishing reports that promote hatred and intolerance of Roma.

(ERRC)