14:36, 15 January 2008

Mass detentions of Gipsies continue in Volgograd Region

In the cities of Volgograd and Volzhsk militiamen commit mass detentions of Gipsy nationals. During the New Year holidays, the number of citizens, who addressed the human rights organization the Volgograd Regional Public Organization (VRPO) "Congress of Romani Women" with complaints against actions of law enforcement bodies, had increased.

"Gipsies are again coming to me from the Rabochiy settlement and Zeleny Island (vicinities of Volzhsk - note of the "Caucasian Knot"). All of them complain of militia lawlessness," Elena Konstantinova, head of the VRPO in defence of the rights of Gipsy women "Congress of Romani Women - Juvlicano Romano Congresso", said in her interview to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

According to Ms Konstantinova, militiamen are taking Gypsies' fingerprints, make photos of the detained persons and keep them for long at militia stations.

"We aren't going to sit on our hands. Again, we'll bring our complaints to the governor and to mayors. Again, we'll start writing letters to Nurgaliev and Chaika, and to international human rights organizations."

Author: Vyacheslav Yashchenko, CK correspondent