Macedonian Roma Actress to Sue Police for Bias

Twenty-eight-year-old Kurtishova, an actress with Skopje’s state-owned Children’s and Youth Theatre, said she was convinced that a police officer at Skopje airport prevented her from boarding a plane simply because she is Roma.

“I will not let this thing pass. I will most certainly press charges on account of the discrimination and ask for help from the ombudsman’s office and from human rights NGOs,” Kurtishova said.

The actress, whose case has already caused a stir in Macedonia, said she is also thinking of suing for damages for her discomfort as well as reimbursement for her cancelled plane ticket.

“Yes, I believe I was turned back  because I was Roma. I have never in my life felt so humiliated,” Kurtishova said.

On June 19, Kurtishova was set to travel to the small German town of Konstanz to see her sister who had a problematic pregnancy and needed someone close to take care of her for two months.

But the police officer at the airport had cancelled her plane ticket and ordered her to take back her luggage and leave.

First he deemed invalid her letter of guarantee which she said had an official stamp from the town of Konstanz, and in which her sister said that she would cover the expenses for her stay. Later the officer told her that the 500 euro in cash that she was carrying was not enough.

“I was the only one turned back from the flight. Why do I even own a passport if I am not allowed to travel abroad?” she asked.

Police Minister Gordana Jankuloska on Monday denied allegations of discrimination against Kurtishova. Jankuloska said that the police investigated the case but insisted that the officer had the right to stop Kurtishova from travelling because she did not have...