Human rights minister: situation in Janov ghetto “dramatic”

The minister for human rights and minorities, Michael Kocáb, visited one of the country’s largest Romany ghettos in Janov on Tuesday, describing the situation as “dramatic”. Mr Kocáb said however he was pleased with the lively debate between the local authorities, human rights groups and Romany NGOs. The local mayor gave Mr Kocáb keys to an apartment in the Janov housing estate so that the government could set up an office in the area.

Janov, part of the northern Bohemian town of Litvínov, is one of the Czech Republic’s largest Romany ghettos. In November last year, it became a target of far-right activists who intended to stage a march through the area; the attempt ended in a clash with riot police.