Smith’s Kushti Podcast

What was different about the case of Stanislav is footage of the incident was captured but it seems cases such as this arise with alarming frequency in different European countries going back decades. A map of incidents of police misconduct created by the ERRC against Roma, Sinti, and Travellers in Europe is available here.

The 8th April 2021, will mark 50 years since the 1971 founding event in London. It was a crucial point in the history of the Romani people and is now seen as the beginning of the worldwide Romani emancipation movement. It started a political fight for equality, mobilised through Romani organisations, and the unifying flag and anthem. You are invited to join a series of diverse online events that will offer the opportunity to connect communities across the globe to celebrate Romani history and culture but also critically reflect on the ongoing challenges that are still faced by Romani people worldwide. For more information about the congress programme and access the live-streamed visit: www.romanistan.com

The launch of Roma Trials 2nd Roma Biennial WE ARE HERE! will also launch on April 8th! It's an initiative featuring 50 artworks by artists that will look at five different aspects of BEING HERE exploring Romani history and the current reality over the next seven months. Visit www.roma-biennale.com where you will be able to find out more about the artists and view their work.

The two petitions mentioned in the podcast:

Visit https://weact.campact.de/petitions/hessen-braucht-jetzt-einen-rechtsterrorismus-opferfonds-ein-jahr-nach-dem-anschlag-in-hanau to sign the petition of @19februarhanau. They demand on this one year anniversary of the Hanau terror attack that a victim solidarity fund is created to support survivors and families of the victims to rebuild their lives and for the state of Hesse to take responsibility for right-wing terror in its area.

Visit: http://romatrial.org/das-denkmal-bleibt/ to sign the petition of Sinti-Roma-Pride to help save the memorial and find out more about its history.

You are listening to the very first episode of Smiths Kushti Podcast bringing you current news and views from Germany and across Europe. Our host Lisa caught up with Student & actress Estera Stan, Romani activist & make-up artist, Esther Reinhardt Bendel and Historian & researcher, Jana Mechelhoff - Herezi from Stiftung Denkmal. We find out more about how the covid-19 pandemic is fanning the flames of anti - Roma sentiment across Europe and the role commemoration can play in the face of rising far-right extremism.

Featured Guests:

Young activist & actress Estera Stan @estera_s.s

Romani activist & make-up artist Esther Reinhardt Bendel @rauba__traubi

Jana Mechelhoff Herezi Historian & researcher at @stiftungdenkmal

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Artwork: Elijah Vardo @ElijahVardo;