The Melde- und Informationsstelle zum bundesweiten Monitoring von Antiziganismus (MIA), the reporting and information center monitoring anti-Gypsyism across Germany, registered a significant surge in anti-Gypsy incidents last year. According to the center’s fourth annual report, presented in Berlin on Tuesday, 2,076 cases were recorded, up from 1,678 in the previous year.
Guillermo Ruiz, CEO of MIA, stressed that these numbers represent only a fraction of the actual incidents of anti-Gypsyism taking place in Germany, asserting that a substantial “dark field” of unreported cases still exists. Ruiz attributed the renewed and pronounced rise partly to a political swing toward the right in society. He noted that instances of anti-Gypsy propaganda alone had more than doubled compared to the previous year. He warned that this type of hostility-manifested through insults, threats, hate speech, and violent assaults-has severe consequences for those affected. Ruiz also observed an increase in incidents within the political sphere, citing politicians affiliated with the AfD as a specific concern.
Regarding the geographic distribution of the reported cases, the report showed no clear regional hotspots. According to Ruiz, most incidents were recorded in states that maintain a regional reporting body. Furthermore, more cases were recorded in urban areas, a situation that is linked to the fact that Sinti and Roma communities are more numerous there, and where civil society structures are stronger. This greater presence of civil society also contributes to the center having higher visibility in those cities.
