Head of OSCE Serbia Mission says perpetrators of Roma attacks should be prosecuted

BELGRADE, 24 August 2007 - The Head of the OSCE Mission to Serbia, Ambassador Hans Ola Urstad, expressed serious concern today over recent attacks and hate crimes against members of the Roma community in Serbia.

"Assaults on Roma, destruction of their homes and hate speech graffiti represent attacks on the integrity of the Roma and violate their basic human rights," said Ambassador Urstad.

"I call on the authorities to do their utmost to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators of these acts and prevent similar attacks in the future. I commend the Head of the Police Administration Mladen Kuribak's rapid intervention in the matter."

Ambassador Urstad also said he was concerned about the situation of several hundred Roma families living under the Gazela Bridge in Belgrade. He called on city authorities, who plan to dismantle their settlement, to ensure that all receive adequate alternative housing.