Romanian and Italian intellectuals signed an open letter appealing to reason and responsibility as, they say, relations among the two countries have been getting more and more tense for weeks, while the Italian media instilled a negative sentiment against Romanians and Gypsies coming from Romania.
They warn that crimes committed by Romanians in Italy are dramatic cases indeed but should be considered on an individual basis according to Italian law and the state of law.
The letter shows that politicians use the issue for political gains which only contributes substantially to over-emphasize the tensions and ethnic prejudices.
Intellectuals write that after several Romanians were randomly “punished” in several Italian cities the issue can get out of control.
They plead for more responsibility from the mass media in reflecting the immigrants' deeds.
The open letter is singed by some 200 Romanian intellectuals.
