Decree of the Presidium of the USSR Armed Forces of 5.10.1956 on introducing gypsies involved in vagrancy to work

 

10/05/1956 Ukaz of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR On the introduction of gypsies involved in vagrancy to work

As a result of measures taken by the Soviet state to employ nomadic Gypsies, improve their living conditions, and raise their cultural level, most of them switched to a settled sedentary lifestyle. However, until now, some of the gypsies continue to engage in vagrancy, lead a parasitic lifestyle and often commit crimes.

In order to introduce gypsies involved in vagrancy to socially useful work, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR DECIDES:

1. To prohibit the Roma from engaging in vagrancy and to offer them to switch to a settled, settled way of life.

2. To oblige the Councils of Ministers of the Union republics to take measures for the resettlement of permanent residence of gypsies engaged in vagrancy, their employment and cultural services.

3. To establish that Gypsies who have come of age who will maliciously shy away from socially useful work and engage in vagrancy are punished by the verdict of the people’s court with a reference to up to five years in conjunction with correctional labor.

The investigation of these cases should be carried out by the police in accordance with the current criminal procedure codes of the Union republics.

Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Council of the USSR K. VOROSHILOV

Secretary of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR A. GORKIN

Moscow. Kremlin. October 5, 1956

Leningrad truth. Oct 7 1956.