Controversy in Germany after the dismissal of a Ukrainian waiter

Berlin, 24 Mar The dismissal of a Ukrainian waiter in a luxury restaurant in Baden-Baden (southern Germany), after publishing a video about the war in Ukraine, has sparked a controversy in which even Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has been involved. The employee, Igor Golod, originally from Odessa, told the weekly “Der Spiegel” this Thursday that he was fired for expressing his “personal opinion” on social networks, which contravenes the principle of freedom of expression that prevails in Germany. “I have the right to defend my country,” he assured, accusing the restaurant “Rizzi” of having terminated its contract for fear of losing its large Russian clientele. After transcending this week, the news spread on Ukrainian social networks, to the point of prompting an intervention by Kuleba, who in a Facebook post harshly charged against the “supporters” of Russian President Vladimir Putin, “in Germany and other countries,” whom he accused of complicity in the deaths of civilians. “Even the most effective German detergents will not wash the blood of innocent people killed by your hands,” he wrote, addressing the restaurant. In addition, he noted that Golod is receiving consular assistance and that the Ukrainian State will not allow anyone to harm its nationals, apart from the fact that every citizen will do “what he can for justice”. In the video posted by the waiter on Instagram, he charges against the war and warns Russians in Germany: “Our city is quiet. But think that in big cities you can get beaten up. So think about it and say: Glory to Ukraine.” The restaurant stated in a statement published on its website - which this Thursday was not accessible - that it was against any form of “racism” and explained that the employee's dismissal was due to the fact that his message had caused many people “legitimate indignation and misunderstanding.” The “Rizzi” further told “Der Spiegel” that the waiter had also treated several customers rudely because of his nationality. After the incident, the restaurant has closed its Facebook page after it was filled with incitement to damage the premises, and Golod reports that he too has received threats against his family and any business that employs him in the future. CHIEF cph/jam/jac