Moldava raid: Instead of victims, Roma become defendants

The brutal police raid of a Roma settlement in Moldava nad Bodvou, eastern Slovakia, happened six years ago.

The police raided a Roma settlement in Moldava nad Bodvou in the Košice Region in 2013.To date, the case has not been resolved.The police raided a Roma settlement in Moldava nad Bodvou in the Košice Region in 2013.To date, the case has not been resolved. (Source: Sme)

They pulled out batons and ruthlessly beat anyone who got in their way. They went on to kick in a door and shatter windows.

Six years ago, more than 60 police officers raided the Roma settlement of Budulovská in Moldava nad Bodvou, eastern Slovakia. The raid was called Action 100.

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Several Roma had bumps and bruises where their faces and ribs were hit. This is how they described the raid in their testimonies. But there is no video footage to prove their version.

Yet, the then ombudswoman Jana Dubovcová, who looked into the case, said “the force used was disproportionate and unjustifiable”.

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From witnesses to accused

At first, the Roma who had been attacked were presented as victims of police brutality.

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