The Roma Foundation for Europe, a leading European advocate for Roma rights, say that it strongly condemns recent attacks said to target civil rights activists in Romania.
It is alleged these include Ciprian Necula, Chair of the Roma Education Fund (REF) and a respected advocate for civil rights and education.
The claims come as Romania heads towards critical elections soon.
Necula said a “campaign of defamation and misinformation represents not only a personal attack 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.
Over the past days, Necula says he has been labelled a Sorosist – a term he says is now weaponised by extremist and provincial politicians in Romania to stigmatize individuals advocating for minority rights and civil liberties.
A REF spokesman said, “This label carries echoes of dangerous historical rhetoric used to target Jews and so-calledtraitors” during periods of fascism and communism. The language employed is not innocent; it is part of an orchestrated campaign to discredit visible figures championing minorities and humanitarian causes.
Necula adds, “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.”
Necula alleges, “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 REF claims that such actions “seek to vilify intellectuals, academics, Roma advocates and those committed to social justice, painting them as threats to national integrity.”
“This is not merely an attack on me but on everyone who believes in a Romania that values education, civil rights, and inclusion,” added Necula. “If being a ‘Sorosist’ means supporting those in need, Roma, disadvantaged communities, and students without state support, then I wear that label with pride.”
The Roma Foundation for Europe has now called 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.
