Subway Train Operator Accused of Derogatory Remarks Towards Passengers, Labeling Them as Criminal Immigrants Via Public Announcement System
In an unsettling incident on Wednesday, 10th April, a U-Bahn train driver in Berlin made a racist and xenophobic remark over the loudspeaker on the U9 line. The announcement, which was made shortly before the train doors closed at a stop, left passengers shocked and confused.
The incident was reported by Berliner Zeitung and a video of the incident was posted on X by Mouatasem Alrifai, a Palestinian activist and human rights lobbyist based in Nuremberg. In the video, the train driver can be heard shouting, "Can the criminal migrants back away from the door so we can move on?".
Two witnesses, Batu and Melli, have been identified in the video. They confront the BVG employee and express their concerns about his announcement. Alrifai, who received the video from the witnesses, commented that he has "never felt so unsafe in Berlin" following the incident.
Shortly after the video was shared, the BVG announced that they will investigate the incident immediately and do everything they can to clear things up. However, no further information has been provided about the identity or status of the BVG employee or the train driver.
The exact location on the U9 line where the incident occurred was not specified. The names of the two witnesses, Batu and Melli, have been identified. Alrifai, who shared the video, is a well-known figure in the human rights community and his actions have sparked a wave of condemnation against the racist remark.
The BVG's swift response to the incident is a positive step towards addressing the issue of racism on public transport. However, it is important to remember that this incident is just one of many examples of the ongoing problem of racism and xenophobia in Germany and around the world.
As the investigation continues, it is hoped that the BVG will take strong action against the employee responsible for the racist remark and that this incident will serve as a catalyst for greater awareness and action against racism and xenophobia in Berlin and beyond.
