Romania: Racism and fascism (2)
01 January 1991
Romania: Racism and fascism
artdoc November=1995
Extreme right seek to harness anti-Hungarian sentiment
Nationalists in the Romanian government have suggested that the
party of the Hungarian minority, the HDUR, should be banned as
"unconstitutional" for establishing a regional council to push
for more autonomy for the Hungarian community in ethnically mixed
Transylvania. The Romanian National Unity party has also called
for a ban on "foreign" national anthems and flags and the
expulsion of ethnic Hungarians from the armed forces. They claim
they have "illegally obtained" weapons.
In response, HDUR, leader Bela Marko argues that Romania
must encompass its minorities, including Hungarians, Gypsies and
Germans (Balkan News 29.1.95, Guardian 2.2.94).
Anti-Romany violence in Bicu
There has been violence against Romany families in the village
of Bicu, in the district of Giurgiu, which, since May 1991, has
experienced many similar incidents.
On 7 January, a Romanian opened fire on his Roma neighbours,
injuring three people. Many Roma families decided thereupon to
leave the village. But the next day the Romanians "gathered to
the call of church bells and set fire to the deserted Romany
homes" (Romnews 18.1.95).
Update on pogrom at Hadareni
Amnesty International has provided an update on events at
Hadareni in Mures County where, on 20 September 1993, three Roma
were killed and 170 Roma forced to abandon their homes during a
night of racial violence.
The Romanian Intelligence Service has, in its annual report,
portrayed those Roma who contacted international organisations
following the pogrom as constituting a threat to national
security.
No one has to date been charged with the murder of the Roma or
the destruction of their property. But a Roma woman, Maria
Moldovan, was fined on 27 November 1993 for disturbing the peace
because she shouted out that her son was being beaten by the
police. When she appealed, her fine was converted into a
sentence of 33 days' imprisonment. Authorities, claiming
judicial error, released her two days later (AI, op cit).
IRR European Race Audit, no 13, April 1995. Contact: Liz Fekete,
Institute of Race Relations, 2-6 Leeke Street, London WC1X 9HS.
Tel: 0171 837 0041