Illegal construction booms in Roma settlement; Mayor attacked

An illegal construction boom has appeared in a Roma settlement near the village of Plavecký Štvrtok (Bratislava region) and neither the police nor construction authorities have been able to halt it so far, reported TASR on Tuesday. Illegal builders even attacked Mayor Ivan Slezák while he was attempting to perform an inspection on one of the illegal construction sites. "We've recorded seven house foundations being built without permits in the Roma settlement", Slezák told TASR, adding that he has informed the police. "Nevertheless, the builders have ignored all calls made by the construction authority, and they haven't been accepting mail", said the mayor, adding that the construction work continues unabated. One dangerous element is that most of these illegal structures are being built in the security area of high-pressure gas transport systems. When Slezák attempted to debate the issue on the ground, those involved reacted aggressively. "One of the builders punched me and an elderly woman hit with a stick", claimed Slezák. He said that he's already filed a criminal complaint over the attack. "I've also sent a letter to the new Government Proxy for Roma (Ábel Ravasz) calling on him to get acquainted with the situation in person and help to find a solution", added the Plavecký Štvrtok mayor.