Recent data from the Antiziganism Reporting and Information Center (MIA) revealed a disturbing trend in Germany, with attacks on Sinti and Roma nearly doubling in 2023 compared to the previous year, reaching 1,233 incidents. Romani Rose of the Central Council of Sinti and Roma expressed concern, citing the historical persecution of these communities.
Germany is home to around 150,000 German Sinti and Roma, along with 100,000 Roma migrants, who face insults, threats, and discrimination. The prevalence of anti-Roma sentiment was highlighted by Federal Family Minister Lisa Paus and Federal Antiziganism Representative Mehmet Daimagüler, particularly critiquing the police’s role in discriminatory incidents.
The MIA report outlined 50 violent attacks, 46 threats, and 27 cases of property damage, with evidence of neo-Nazi motivation in 89 instances. Prejudice, deeply entrenched in the German administrative system, was identified as a driving force behind these crimes. Discrimination is rampant in schools, residences, and government offices, with Roma monuments and graves often targeted.
As anti-Roma sentiment persists, MIA Chair Silas Kropf called for increased support to combat systemic discrimination and raise awareness of this issue in German society.