Romanian Anti-Discrimination Council Abstains In Foreign Min Case

Before the non-government organization, which fights for the rights of the Rroma minority, filed its complaint against Cioroianu on Monday, the council had already publicly condemned the latter’s statements, saying he degraded, humiliated and offended certain communities.

 

Cioroianu said Thursday in a hearing at the anti-discrimination council that he regrets his statements, adding that although what he said was unfair, it cannot be qualified as discriminating. He also said he should not be sanctioned for his statements, even though he admitted they were unfair and could have offended certain people, sources with the discrimination council told MEDIAFAX Thursday.

 

The minister refused to speak to the press.

 

Cioroianu said criminals should be taken to the desert, amid a diplomatic scandal with Italy sparked by a crime allegedly committed by a Romanian national of Rroma ethnicity.

 

The minister’s recent statements attracted harsh criticism and even calls for resignation from the entire political scene. Cioroianu apologized repeatedly for his statements.