A man who emigrated from Romania in the 80s to Austria resorted to an extreme form of protest against xenophobia in a park in Klagenfurt, located in the south of the country, according to the Austrian daily 5 minquoted by Freedom.
The Austrian city of KlagenfurtPhoto: DreamsTime
“I feel like garbage,” declared Tristan (fictitious name chosen by the Austrian daily to protect the identity of the protester) a man who fled the Ceaușescu regime in the 80s and tried to find a purpose in life in Austria, where he received citizenship in the meantime.
Tristan says he has suffered over time because of his origins. He claims to be living a good life in Austria, but the racist comments have left him lashing out.
“With time, unfortunately, you get used to the hate, but there comes a point when you can’t take it anymore,” Tristan told 5Min.
The man said that the drop that filled the glass was an argument with his neighbors. They would have felt offended by the fact that he was listening to Romanian music and that he put the Romanian flag in front of his home, which the neighbors would have taken and thrown in the trash.
“Just as the flag was trashed, so I feel like trash. I was harassed for so long that I ended up in the hospital,” Tristan said.
The man says he is determined to continue protesting against xenophobia and hatred. “I am determined to go all the way. Racism has to end and that’s what I’m here for.” (photo source Dreamstime)
