Matej Sarkozi was born in Slovakia, in Caradice in the district of Nitra and since 1967 has lived in the South Bohemian town of Pisek.

He is trained and currently working in the Czech Helsinki Committee's guidance center for citizenship.

In your opinion, how well informed is the Czech public about the Roma minority?

Distortedly, often untruthfully, not in depth.

What do you think the attitude of Czech society is towards the Roma community?

Negativistic, racist, even fascistic.

What is your opinion on the suppression of manifestations of racism in the Czech Republic?

With great distaste and in many cases not at all.

What is your opinion on the position of the Roma in the Czech Republic?

From a political standpoint, Roma are called outsiders.

How do you see the future of the Roma in the Czech Republic?

I want to believe that with the advance of democracy in the Czech Republic, the position of the Roma will improve.

What do you think are the possibilities of mutual coexistence of Czechs and Roma?

I'm afraid that, in the seven centuries the Roma have lived on the territory of the modern-day Czech Republic, a way to resolve this problem has yet to be found. If someone manages to do it, they deserve the Nobel prize.

Do you think it is necessary to draw the interest of Roma to events throughout society and to their position in society? If yes, how would you go about doing so?

With education, but without the cooperation of the Roma themselves nothing will ever be resolved.

Have you considered leaving the Czech Republic at times? If yes, for what reason? If no, why?

I seriously considered leaving as early as 1993, in connection with the murder of Tibor Danihel. That was the beginning of open racism in the town of Pisek.