The Commissioner for the Protection of Equality, Brankica Janković, responded to a case of discrimination against a 68-year-old pensioner, S.G., on a Litas bus. The driver forbade the pensioner from sitting in the first seat behind him, claiming she was “breathing down his neck,” despite her being ill and short of breath due to asthma. The incident sparked public reactions, and the carrier announced an investigation and possible disciplinary measures. The Commissioner urged citizens to report similar cases, emphasizing that the process is free and discrimination is prohibited by law.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning outlets emphasize the human rights aspect of the incident, highlighting the discrimination and lack of empathy shown by the bus driver towards a vulnerable elderly woman with a chronic illness. They focus on the need for stronger protections against discrimination and call for accountability and systemic change in public service providers.
Center: Center-leaning sources report the facts of the incident objectively, noting the discriminatory behavior of the bus driver and the response from the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality and the bus company. They emphasize the legal framework prohibiting discrimination and the ongoing investigation, presenting a balanced view without strong editorializing.
Right: Right-leaning media may focus on the individual responsibility and the importance of maintaining order and rules in public transport, possibly downplaying the discrimination aspect. They might highlight the bus company’s commitment to investigating the incident and stress that isolated incidents should not tarnish the reputation of the entire sector.
