South African fined for racial abuse video
Cape Town, South Africa (PANA) – Adam Catzavelos, who sparked a national outcry when he filmed himself making racial comments in Europe, on Thursday reached a settlement agreement with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC).
The commission took Catzavelos to the Equality Court in Randburg. As part of the agreement, he has to pay a US$10,000 fine and issue a formal public apology.
The Johannesburg resident made headlines when he filmed himself saying how happy he was that there were no black people on the beach at a holiday resort in Greece. He sent the WhatsApp clip to a few friends who reposted it and, within hours, it went viral around the world.
The outrage over the incident led to his family's business losing major clients and he was immediately fired.
His attorney Lawley Shain has confirmed that he has been contacted by the authorities in Greece who are also considering whether to prosecute him.
South Africa’s National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said there were issues relating to jurisdiction because the offence was committed outside the country’s borders.
Catzavelos has previously apologised for the damage his video had caused the country. "I have watched my video and feel total shame. It is hard to put into words what I want to say and genuinely apologise. I don't expect people to forgive me‚ but will spend the rest of my life repenting and trying to make up for my total lack of respect and judgment,” he said.
-0- PANA CU/MA 29Aug2019
