Elmas Arus spent 9 years with the Roma in Turkey for her documentary film 'Buçuk', which portrays the colorful lives of Gypsies who face prejudice under the label of 'half nation'. The Council of Europe jury decided to award the first Raoul Wallenberg award to Elmas Arus for her outstanding support in highlighting the conditions of Roma in Turkey and other regions. Secretary General of the Council of Europe Thorbjørn Jagland emphasized Arus's great determination and courage in combating deep-seated discrimination and prejudice against Roma in society.
The statement from the Council of Europe also highlighted that Arus, who heads the Zero Discrimination Association, played a significant role in the government's Roma initiative. The $10,000 award, named after Raoul Wallenberg, who played a crucial role in preventing the massacre of thousands of Jews by the Nazis in Hungary, will be presented on January 17 in Strasbourg.
Source: Zaman Newspaper
Date: 02.12.2013
