OscailtCéad Míle Fáilte*? Racial Profiling in the IrelandOver the last couple of days we have witnessed massive media hysteria about the case of Maria, a young girl supposedly abducted by a Roma couple in Greece. DNA tests and Lombroso-style racial profiling have come into action in a case that has stirred the irrational anxiety that feeds racism and bigotry. Beyond the fact that child abduction is a serious issue, the "whiteness" and "blondeness" of the alleged victim have been emphasised together with the "Roma" condition of the alleged culprits. Let us remember that this is taking place in Greece, a country where blatant racism (as expressed by Golden Dawn) is on the rise, so there are good reasons to be cautious about this whole case.2013-10-24T20:26:47+08:00Anarkismoanarkismoeditors@lists.riseup.nethttp://www.anarkismo.net/atomfullposts?story_id=26356http://www.anarkismo.net/graphics/feedlogo.gifTargetting the Romahttp://www.anarkismo.net/article/26356#comment152362013-10-24T20:26:47+08:00nestorThe "Irish Independent" reports today that there have actually been 5 other "fal...The "Irish Independent" reports today that there have actually been <b>5 other "false alarms"</b> against Roma children this year alone!
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It is clear that the Gardaì are abusing their powers under the 1991 Child Care Act which states that they can remove a child from their home where they have "reasonable grounds" for believing there is an <b>immediate risk</b> to the health and welfare of the child. Given that one of the 2 children in these recent cases was sitting happily at home watching television, it's hard to see that was the case.