Who benefits from hiding the truth?

The stigma that was ascribed to Roma people was expected to fade away with the democratization of societies but it seems that ideas of fascism and nazism are not dead yet, they live, regroup and what’s worse they get the attention of today’s youth in absence of alternatives.  On the first of October in Belgrade, an attack on the elder Romani couple happened. The boy whose identity remainded unknown was hitting them in the head for few minutes. This happened in front of 60 people who silently watched everything.  This news spread throughout Serbia within 24 hours and there are almost no people that haven’t heard about this attack. Although it seems obvious who is guilty in this story, based on comments on the social network we see that even reality and facts can be deformed so this Roma couple is shown as guilty for the whole event because it is unbelievable that in relation to Roma - ANYONE the second one is actually guilty. This sets a question to whom suits the truth to be hidden? Does turning a blind eye to violence lead to a better life for all citizens? Who is the next victim? Is it even legal to be Roma in the 21st century?  This attack indicated the ideological problem of our society. The issue of violence which is condemned in any context, against Roma is allowed. Hate speech is prohibited by law but it is normal to describe members of the Roma community negatively. We will condemn the police in America and support the Black lives matter protests, and in our countries, our backyards we will stigmatize Roma and even as now physically abuse them. Of course, supporting BLM protest is now IN, the question for all of us is when will be IN for our neighbors to see as equal as others. This case on the bus was a perfect description of our position in society and how IN is to support Roma. It still seems it is one person against 60 silent observers.  And when we move to media presenting reality and “It’s your right to know everything”, we come across “Your right to know something “ or to “ know something only if it is a case that will spread stereotypes towards Roma”. Political issues as this and systematic issues we still seem to have no right to hear.  The 21 st century we can freely call a century of ideological contradiction and waking of racism. Cases as this in a bus with Romani couple is one of many, it’s hard to even count them because they happen on daily basis. Frightened they don’t report these cases, even those who suffer violence and insults say “ it’s better for us to endure than get our home burnt”. So how can Roma people feel safe in a country in which these cases are not researched, bullies are not punished by law, and where we don’t see justice for victims? How can a parent which is stigmatized, harassed, frustrated take care of his child? They put up the issue of education of Roma with not solved the issue of safety first. With this attitude, it’s being created a public narrative that violence is normal and that we should turn a blind eye to it because it happens to someone who is the minority in the country. It should be reminded that such events preceded the Genocide in World War II.  Opre Roma Srbija, the Roma civic movement will stand behind these issues and raise them at every possible opportunity. We will not remain silent in face of the violence that is happening against us and anyone else, and we will not only publicly condemn such racists acts but also act so that they do not happen again. Such attacks are attacks on democracy and free society. We will fight to open the eyes to all 60 people when cases as this happen so they act on time. We deeply believe that Serbia is a country in which there is no place for fascism. We will fight for a future in which will be IN to support each other and fight for a better future. Let’s hope that this time justice will be served.