Nearly 94 percent said they would not marry a Gypsy and 69 percent said they would not maintain a friendship with a Gypsy. This statement is backed upped by the media frequently revealing the race of Roma suspects. Even government officials hold Roma prejudices. Jozsef Pacai, the mayor of the Slovak village of Medzev, is no exception to the rule and was quoted in 1993 as saying, I m no racist, but some Gypsies you just have to shoot. In several countries- including Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, and the Czech and Slovak Republics, there have been reported mob attacks against the Rom and the authorities purposely did not step in.
Racism is clearly apparent in police brutality and court prejudices.
The Rom stereotypes are even extended to places such as stores. Silverman explained that Roma face discrimination and access to public and private transportation, stores, restaurants, theaters, sports facilities, and discos. Often signs are posted saying No Gypsies allowed. In all too many instances, Roma are barred from even going into a store, and when they do enter the store they are often denied service. Sengupta described that in the Czech and Slovak Republics, a number of bars and restaurants openly refuse to serve Roms.