Uncovering anti‑Roma discrimination in criminal justice systems in Europe: Victims of prejudice

In a 2017 survey, 52% of Roma in Romania, and 46% of Roma in Spain
declared that in the past five years, they were stopped by the police due to their ethnic background. (Source: Fundamental Rights Agency)

This animation portrays real life experiences uncovered in our research.

Racial prejudice is widespread in societies across Europe, and it affects many ethnic groups. Given their long history of persecution and continuing socio-economic challenges, Roma are especially vulnerable to harmful stereotyping and negative societal attitudes that influence perceptions of criminal justice decision-makers, and impact criminal justice outcomes.

New research carried out by criminal justice NGO Fair Trials, in partnership with APADOR-CH, the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee, the Hungarian Helsinki Committee, and Rights International Spain shows the prevalence of discriminatory views against Roma in criminal justice systems of Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, and Spain