Prejudice against gypsies acceptable, say judges
John Hooper; 2/7/08
Italy’s highest appeal court has ruled that it is acceptable to discriminate against gypsies on the grounds that they are thieves. The judgment comes amid a nationwide clampdown on gypsies, also known as Roma, by the Government of Silvio Berlusconi. Last week the Interior Minister, Roberto Maroni, announced plans to fingerprint all of Italy’s Roma, including children. The ruling, which appears to provide judicial backing for the Government’s policies, was handed down in March but reported only on Monday. The judges overthrew the conviction of six defendants who signed a leaflet demanding the expulsion of Verona’s Gypsies in 2000.
Tags: Gypsies, Human Rights, Italy