March 12, 2016
The B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission (ADC), has expressed grave concerns about the Neo-Nazi political party Our Slovakia winning 14 seats in the 150 seat parliament during the recent Slovakian elections. It is the first time the party has won a place in The National Council. More than 200,000 Slovakians, including 23% of first-time voters, supported the party. Our Slovakia leader Marian Kotleba, has referred to Roma as “gypsy parasites”, has called for a state where minorities are stripped of their rights, and revers the Nazi- sponsored Slovak government that was in power during World War II. In response to the election of Our Slovakia, Slovakia’s Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajcak said, “We have elected a fascist to Parliament.”
Dr Dvir Abramovich, Chairman of the B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission, issued the following statement:
“Though this party has only made marginal gains, the reality is that a considerable number of Slovakians—largely young people— gave their vote of confidence to Our Slovakia’s openly racist and anti-Semitic message. This is a very serious and worrying development. For a political party which identifies as Neo-Nazi to be elected to the national parliament of Slovakia and to be conferred some form of legitimacy as well a platform to publicly articulate its racism and hatred is deeply alarming. It is imperative that Slovakia’s parliamentarians speak out against Our Slovakia’s warped worldview, and reject any attempt by their leader and members to gain a foothold for their blatantly bigoted and extremist agenda.”
The Anti-Defamation Commission, founded in 1979, is Australia’s leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through educational programs that combat bigotry, prejudice and all forms of hatred.
For further information please contact Dr Dvir Abramovich on (03) 9272 5677
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