ERRC and Its Partner Asked Protection for Roma in Naples

Budapest, Naples, 14 March 2014: The European Roma Rights Centre and its partnerChi Rom e…Chi No today sent a letter of concern  to the Italian authorities to ask for protection for Roma in Naples who were victims of physical attacks on 11 and 12 March 2014. 

According to media reports and witnesses, an informal Romani settlement at via Santa Maria del Riposo was attacked and raided by a mob following the accusation of a teenage girl that she was sexually harassed by “two nomads”. During the attack, at least one person was injured and the property of Romani residents was destroyed. 

The security forces did not effectively intervene to stop the attack. 

In its letter to Italian authorities, the ERRC calls for the deployment of an adequate number of police officers and for the authorities to take all necessary steps to protect Romani individuals from violence in Naples as a matter of urgency; the ERRC also asked for a full investigation into the attack as well as the sexual harassment claim. The ERRC, furthermore, called on the local authorities to provide adequate alternative housing solutions to the victims, ensuring their safety, security of tenure and private and family life. 

For more information, contact:

Sinan Gökçen
Media and Communications Officer
European Roma Rights Centre
Tel. +36.30.500.1324
sinan.gokcen@errc.org