Subway Train Conductor Accused of Addressing Passengers as "Illegal Migrants" via Loudspeaker
In an unsettling incident on the U-Bahn U9 line in Berlin on April 10, 2024, a train driver made a racist and xenophobic announcement over the loudspeaker. The exact number of passengers affected by the incident is not specified in the report.
As the train doors were about to close at a stop, the driver shouted, "Can the criminal migrants back away from the door so we can move on?" The incident was captured on video by a witness and posted online, causing widespread outrage.
Two witnesses, Batu and Melli, sent the video to Mouatasem Alrifai, a Palestinian activist and human rights lobbyist based in Nuremberg. Alrifai shared the video on social media, commenting that he has "never felt so unsafe in Berlin" following the incident.
In the video, the BVG employee does not deny making the statement when confronted by the witnesses. He responds by saying, "That's the only language they understand." When questioned about the filming, he states that he has expressed his opinion. One of the witnesses tells the driver that the situation should have been handled differently.
The incident has sparked outrage and calls for action against racism and xenophobia in Berlin's public transportation system. The BVG, the operator of Berlin's public transportation system, has responded that they will investigate the incident immediately and do everything they can to clear things up.
However, no immediate action has been reported regarding the train driver's behavior, and there are no search results that identify the person who made the racist remarks. The BVG has not yet specified the measures they will take in response to the incident.
At the time, a group of migrants and refugees were on the train, causing many to feel targeted and intimidated. Witnesses reported that the passengers were shocked and confused by the driver's announcement.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing issue of racism and xenophobia in Berlin and beyond. It is crucial that such incidents are addressed promptly and effectively to ensure the safety and dignity of all passengers using public transportation.
