Roma and institutional discrimination: a study of prison sentences

On 5 April 2018, the European Center for Roma Rights
reported that four individuals of Roma origin, A. Redzhepov (21), Y.
Erdal (25), S. Mustafova (46), and B. Demir (39), died in Macedonian
prisons in 2017 due to inadequate medical care and lack of proper
supervision by prison staff. Redzhepov and Erdal died from overdoses
of methadone and benzodiazepam, despite not being part of the
methadone therapy program. Demir died from poisoning after being
administered an incorrect dose of 'Prazin' tablets by medical staff.
Mustafova’s death occurred after her pre-existing medical conditions
had been ignored and dismissed as faked, as a result of which the staff
withheld the necessary medical care. However, the autopsy revealed a
high dose of benzodiazepine in her body. As illustrated in this article,
discrimination against Roma people in prisons all too often results in
death. This raises serious concerns about the treatment and conditions
Roma face in detention and the degree of discrimination they are sub�jected to. As one of the most marginalized social groups, the Roma
people face alarming levels of deprivation and inequality in nearly all
aspects of life, driven by deeply rooted stereotypes and prejudice. In an
attempt to provide a realistic depiction of the current situation and
draw relevant conclusions, this paper analyzes different forms of discrimination against Roma in penitentiary institutions in North Macedonia and across Europe. The authors call for greater awareness and
actionable solutions aimed at improving the treatment and rights of
Roma prisoners, and fostering a more just and equitable prison system.
discrimination, Roma, prison, racism, antigypsyism, prisoner rights