Foreign activists have torn down part of the segregation wall separating Košice's Západ (West) district from the troubled Roma neighbourhood of Luník IX, the SME daily reported on Tuesday. According to the paper, activists spray-painted the inscription 'Stop segregation!' next to a hole that they made in the wall.
“It [the wall] was built illegally, without a construction permit. By tearing it down, we've done a public service for the local community”, claimed a Swedish activist, who participated in the night-time action that involved the use of pickaxes and a hammer. An unknown number of other individuals from the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Austria, and Spain, as well as one Slovak citizen took part in the 'Wall Free Europe' campaign. The activists refused to provide their identities, calling themselves a “group of enthusiasts who dream about a world in which Roma and non-Roma people can leave in peace”.
“If Slovakia wants to engage in a genuine fight against segregation, the walls must be brought down, because they don't belong in Europe”, said an activist from Switzerland. The activists left Slovakia immediately after smashing the hole in the structure. “We wanted to see how people behind the wall live and begin a discussion about walls”, said Miroslav Brož of the Czech civil association Konexe, who contacted the Sme newspaper regarding the activists’ activities.
The activists’ efforts may have been in vain however as the hole was repaired within hours by the local administration. “The owner of the wall suffered damage of up to €150. The police have launched an investigation into property damage and are searching for the perpetrators”, said Košice police spokesperson Jana Mesárová. Presently there are twelve anti-Roma walls and fences in Slovakia. Brussels has also called for the structure in Košice to be removed, but Rudolf Bauer (KDS), the mayor of Košice Západ, along with local residents oppose this.
