Religious leaders back Madonna on Roma

Two religious leaders have expressed their support for Madonna's recent comments regarding the treatment of the Roma people in Eastern Europe.

Madonna's publicist has said that the singer was "compelled" to make the speech during her live show.

Hindu statesman Rajan Zed and Rabbi Jonathan B. Freirich, who in the past have joined forces to protest ethnic profiling by police, issued a joint statement on the matter.

It read: "Romania and Europe should apologise for the blatant show of prejudice shown towards Roma brothers and sisters when Madonna spoke against Roma discrimination during her concert in Bucharest.

"The alarming condition of Roma people is a social blight for Europe and the rest of the world."