site.btaAmalipe Centre: Roma Community Influenced by False Infrospread about Politics, Healthcare

False information about healthcare and politics influence the Roma community, according to an analysis by Amalipe Centre for Interethnic Dialogue and Tolerance. The analysis covers the period from February to May 2024 and focuses on the social and media channels through which the information is disseminated and influences the people of the community, Atanas Atanasov, coordinator of the network of educational mediators at the NGO, who has prepared the report, told BTA.

The report uncovers a web of misinformation affecting the Roma community by exploring key themes of false narratives, various channels through which misinformation is spread, and innovative strategies necessary to combat the malign influence. 

Atanasov said that among the disturbing trends observed is the insinuation that vaccines are dangerous and should not be administered. Thus, new parents refuse to vaccinate their newborn children. 

Teodora Krumova, expert at the Amalipe Centre, told BTA that social media spread extremist views related to the military actions in Gaza and Ukraine. "Because of the many Muslims in the Roma community, there is a kind of anti-Jewish propaganda on this basis, which can result in radical manifestations," Krumova said. 

A network has been created that is manipulative though the spread of false information. When people have low education, they easily trust rumors. Krumova pointed to distrust in institutions, which is widespread in the Roma community, as an important factor that enables the most ridiculous rumour to find ground of credibility among the community. Psychological forms of manipulation are skillfully used, Krumova stressed.

The analysis aims to point out facts, but also to highlight how information channels can be used to promote good practices. In this regard, a series of podcast episodes with cultural and sports personalities, whose example in the community will be important for the development of young people, has begun, the organization said.