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Black Wreath on France Consulate of Istanbul 27/08/2010

Organizations who protests France's deportation policy and racism raising all over the Europe place a black wreath on France Consulate of Istanbul. Citizens participate the activity with a high degree.

Both Gypsies and the other citizens sensitive about raising racism participated to the activity planned by Zero Discrimination Association, Federation of İstanbul Roma Associations, Sulukule Platform, Association Club of Travellers of Turkey. After press statement, a black wreath was placed on France Consulate of Istanbul to protest deportation policy of France and racist terrorism raising all over the Europe.

Press Statement

We gathered here to protest against racist wind blowing around Roma in Europe and especialy in France. Sarkozy openly say that they are deporting Roma beause They don't like behavior and culture of Roma. As we gather here today, poor Roma are being taken to the border crossings. France government deported around 29000 immigrants in 2009. Roma is one of the deported populations with 10000 people. They are being forcefully displaced. Sarkozy has threatened to revoke passports of the Roma who got French citizenship. France government closed 51 camps where Roma living in the last three weeks. It's said at least 300 camp will be closed until the end of the October. Roma are being discriminated not only in France but also in various regions of Europe.

Well, which policy of Europe Union is suitable with these practises realized by the countries already joined Europe Union? We appeal to European Union here!

The European Union Charter of Fundamental Rights, Chapter 45 Freedom of Movement and Residence Article, "every citizen of the Union has the freedom to live in the member states and to move freely with in the territory of the country " says. It prohibites deportation in 19th article and discrimination in 21th article. In 22th article it says "European Union citizens' cultural, religious and linguistic diversity will be respected." So how can it be, members of the European Union, Bulgaria, France, Romania classify Roma of the European Union as 2th class citizens? How can that be possible immigrants, homeless pregnant women are dispossessed and being groveled. How can it be possible founding of armed organizations to "clean" Roma people in a member state of the Europe Union, Italy and how can it be possible hunting of Roma on streets equally to Nazi period. Now, Italy declared that they will deport Roma Gypsies on September 6 taking heart from France's policy about Roma.

Roma houses are being burned in Hungary. 150-foot walls are being built in front of the Roma neighborhood in Slovakia. All these countries are members of The Europe Union. We appeal to the European Commission here: warn leaders who are planning racist policies! Stop Racism! If you can not stop them, you should cancel membership of these countries who are realizing racist policies toward Roma communities.

We, as Roma, pacifists and human rights activists of Turkey, appeal to world Roma. We accompany them in all circumstances. We appeal to them with a poem of Rom Poet:

If you are sad, Gypsy;
say a cherful ballad;
And if you are hapyy;
say the same ballad again!

Zero Discrimination Association
Federation of İstanbul Roma Associations
Sulukule Platform
Association Club of Travellers of Turkey