WASHINGTON (July 3, 2016) - The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), a leading membership-based association for the nation's millions of American citizens of Greek heritage and Philhellenes, denounces an ethnic slur directed at a Greek photographer by a former German minister who made the slur while accompanying German Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel on a visit to Maximos Mansion, announced Supreme President John W. Galanis.
According to one press report, the Greek Athens News Agency photographer/photojournalist accidentally bumped into former German Transport Minister Peter Rasmauer, who was a part of Gabriel's entourage, which led Rasmauer allegedly to yell at the photographer, "don't touch me you filthy Greek." Another press report stated Rasmauer "scolded the photographer in both English and German."
"Rasmauer's ethnic slur is offensive and unacceptable," Galanis said. "It is indicative of a condescending attitude and wreaks of arrogance, which is especially troubling coming from a former official of a country that is supposedly a leading EU nation."
Additional reports indicate the German Embassy in Athens and the German delegation apologized.