We condemn the attacks on Roma national minorities in the village of Jabuka near Pančevo and emphasise that it is only the state acting in a legal proceeding that is authorized to judge perpetrators of criminal acts. These events require swift and decisive action on the part of the police to send a clear message that revenge and retribution are unacceptable, and that besides consituting criminal acts under law, they also violate fundamental human rights. The residents’ own initiative to punish an entire community because of a reported crime committed by one of the latter’s members is impermissible in a democratic society. A particular danger exists in that this event is not an isolated incident but represents an indicative example of racial, national and religious intolerance that has been escalating over the last few years in various circumstances.State authorities cannot allow inhabitants of Jabuka of Roma nationality to be hostages to their fellow inhabitants’ anger. In this sense, it is vital to enable them to proceed with their lives as normal and to efficiently deal with the individuals responsible for the attacks. This incident also indicates the need for greater state engagement with the goal of stimulating mutual respect and understanding between different ethnic groups.
