The Commissioner for the Protection of Equality, Brankica Janković, strongly condemns the spread of hate speech against Roma on social networks following the announcement of the fire in the Roma settlement on Kralja Aleksandra Boulevard in Belgrade, stating that hate speech is inadmissible and prohibited by law.

Such comments on social networks encourage discrimination, and not removing comments calling for violence and aimed at creating a fearful, hostile, humiliating, and insulting environment for members of the Roma national minority only creates additional animosity.

In situations like this, in addition to respecting the law, it is important to develop a human and humane dimension and devise ways to help people in need rather than spread hate speech and deepen stereotypes and prejudices.