HRMI Executive Director Henrikas Mickevičius commented on recent police actions in a Roman settlement on Lithuania Radio 1, Russian and Polish programs.
"The fight against drug trafficking is an important public interest. HRMI sees no problem in establishing a police post in the camp, but it shouldn‘t become a surveillance post that would restrict private life. Videotaping all the movement on camp raises doubts about respecting the right to private life. Such measures can be implemented in case of a a pressing social need and by strictly following the law. Moreover, the means should be proportional to the aim pursued," said H. Mickevicius.
He emphasized that police officers should keep in mind the cultural context: much of Roma life is taking place in public. Widespread surveillance at the camp would invade their private life.
© 2012 Human Rights Monitoring Institute