A merchant in a North Karelian market was forced to leave after a customer, a Romani woman, was refused service and recorded the incident, highlighting discrimination issues.
In a North Karelian supermarket, a Romani woman was denied the purchase of an energy drink, an incident that has sparked allegations of racial discrimination against the merchant and a seller. The woman attempted to pay for her drink when she was told by a male cashier that he could not sell to her. Initially, she believed the issue was a malfunction with the payment terminal and offered cash instead. However, the cashier reportedly stated that he was unable to sell to her because she was Romani, leading to further distress for the customer.
The woman recorded the encounter on her phone, capturing the moment she was denied service. The video, which lasts less than a minute, has been used as key evidence in a case brought before the district court. According to the local prosecutor, it clearly shows the seller stating that the merchant had instructed him not to serve Romani customers. This evidence has provoked strong public and legal reactions, as it raises significant concerns about the prevalence of discrimination within local businesses.
The district court has been asked to impose penalties on both the merchant and the seller for discrimination based on ethnicity. This case not only highlights the challenges faced by Romani individuals in accessing goods and services but also reflects broader societal issues regarding racial prejudice and the responsibilities of businesses in Finland. The outcome of the court proceedings may set important precedents for anti-discrimination practices in retail settings across the country.
