Dear Mr. Prime Minister Zaev,

We, the Roma from Serbia, strongly condemn the police brutality against innocent Roma on September 22, 2020, in Bitola. As events unfold, we consider it a minimum for a democratically governed state to investigate the case, hold the perpetrators accountable, and deliver appropriate justice for the victims.

It is negligent to assume this as an isolated case. Roma have been historically subjected to physically deadly violence based on toxic societal hatred and politically motivated violence against Roma. It is also not a new phenomenon as it has been the lived experience of Roma for centuries. Besides, police departments have a long history of violence and aggression toward Roma, creating a deep mistrust between Roma and police departments.

Instead, we consider it a systemic problem that requires a systemic response. The starting point is to include a proportionate number of Roma police officers. Such an act is constitutional, can strengthen your political vision for the “One Society for All,” and can contribute to the mainstream police reforms and accountability towards North Macedonian accession in the European Union. Such a solution is good for Roma, and it is good for North Macedonia.

**вашият подпис**