World Report 2011 - Human Rights Watch

WORLD REPORT 2011where intercepted over a dozen letter bombs addressed to foreign embassies inAthens, the Greek parliament, heads of state, and institutions in Europe.A policeman was sentenced in October to life in prison for intentionally shootinga 15-year-old boy in Athens during a demonstration in December 2008, sparkingnationwide riots. Another officer was sentenced to 10 years in prison for complicity.In May the Council of Europe European Committee of Social Rights made publicconclusions from December 2009 condemning Greece for widespread discriminationagainst Roma in access to housing. The same committee had condemnedGreece in 2004.ItalyRacist and xenophobic violence and hostile political discourse remained a pressingproblem. In January, 11 African seasonal migrant workers were seriouslyinjured in drive-by shootings and mob attacks over a three day period in Rosarno,Calabria. At least 10 other migrants, 10 law enforcement officers, and 14 local residentsrequired medical treatment. Over 1,000 migrants left the town followingthe violence, most of them evacuated by law enforcement personnel. Numerouscountries expressed concern about racism and xenophobia in Italy during itsUniversal Periodic Review at February’s UN Human Rights Council (HRC).Roma and Sinti continued to suffer high levels of discrimination, poverty, anddeplorable living conditions in both authorized and unauthorized camps. EasternEuropean Roma, primarily from Romania and living in informal settlements, facedforced evictions and financial inducements to return to their countries of origin. InOctober the Council of Europe European Committee of Social Rights publishedconclusions from June condemning Italy for discrimination against Roma in housingand access to justice, economic, and social assistance.Italy continued to deport terrorism suspects to Tunisia, including MohamedMannai in May, despite the risk of ill-treatment, persistent interventions from theECtHR, and condemnation by the Council of Europe. A June resolution from itsCommittee of Ministers reiterated Italy’s obligation to comply with European Courtdecisions.428