Roma Foundation for Europe Condemns Attacks Against Civil Rights Activists in Romania and Calls for Urgent Action Ahead of Romanian Elections

As Romania heads towards critical elections, this campaign of defamation and misinformation represents not only a personal attack on Necula but also a broader assault on those dedicated to fostering equality, education, and human rights.

The Roma Education Fund (REF) is a member of the Roma Foundation for Europe network, working collectively to advance the rights, education, and opportunities for Roma across Europe.

“In Romania today, being called a ‘Sorosist’ is a political tool to silence those who fight for democracy and human rights. It is eerily reminiscent of darker times in our history when lists were used to isolate and target individuals based on their identity and beliefs,” said Necula. “The true enemies of Romania are not those investing in education and civil rights, but those who spread hatred and keep the population in poverty and ignorance to control it.”

The attacks intensified when Romania TV, a privately-owned channel with strong populist leanings, broadcasted lists of so-called “undesirables” over two consecutive days, including Ciprian’s name among others. These public lists seek to vilify intellectuals, academics, Roma advocates, and those committed to social justice—painting them as threats to national integrity.

The Roma Foundation for Europe calls on Romanian authorities, civil society, and international bodies to:

• Publicly denounce the use of hate speech and smear campaigns targeting human rights defenders.
• Ensure a safe and fair electoral process free from intimidation and disinformation.
• Uphold democratic values by protecting those who advocate for vulnerable groups.

In December 2024, during the final stages of Romania’s presidential campaign, civil rights activists, particularly those from “Roma for Democracy Romania”–another member of the Roma Foundation for Europe network–had already faced severe threats. Members received alarming messages via social media, including statements like: “Heil Hitler. Jews and Gypsies must be eliminated. And all impure ethnicities.”

These threats were accompanied by images of masked individuals brandishing weapons and displaying symbols associated with the fascist Legionnaire movement and the SS. Such incidents highlight a disturbing pattern of intimidation against those advocating for minority rights and democratic values in Romania.