Germán Andrés Naranjo Maldini, Chilean arrested after racist attacks on a flight from São Paulo to Frankfurt, Germany, is considered an undisciplined passenger.
According to Anac (National Civil Aviation Agency), Cases like this can be classified as “very serious”which may result in a fine of R$17,500.
The penalty is part of new measures established by the body as way to combat inappropriate conduct during flights. However, charges only become valid from September 14th.
In addition to the fine, Anac states that those who are within the conduct group “gravissíma” must have their name included on a boarding deny list.
The agency also informed that, given the seriousness of the case, the incident will be investigated. Furthermore, it said that “it will adopt, within the scope of its legal and regulatory powers, the appropriate measures in conjunction with the airline and other competent authorities.
Passenger conduct must be analyzed in accordance with civil aviation standards, according to the agency.
Understand the case
One Chilean was caught making racist, homophobic and xenophobic comments inside a Latam plane. The case happened on May 10th, when the man tried to open the flight door and was stopped by the crew. He also imitated a monkey towards the airline employee.
The flight left from Guarulhos International Airport, in Greater São Paulo, to Frankfurt, Germany. When the man returned to Brazil, this Friday (15), he was arrested by the Federal Police.
A video, made by the Latam employee who was the victim, shows the Chilean’s offenses. Even before the racist speeches, he states: “He’s gay, I’m not gay. It’s a problem for me to be gay,” he tells the flight attendant.
Watch the video, provided to CNN Brasil by the portal @livresiguaisbr:
Even after the employee questions him about the problem of being gay and black, the man states: “The black skin… what else? the smell of black, the smell of Brazilian…”. The employees on board insist that he sit down, but the Chilean responds. “Why? Who am I attacking? I don’t know him. You’re black, monkey…” Then the man starts imitating a monkey for the employee.
After the formal communication of the victims to the PF, an investigative procedure was initiated which resulted in the preventive detention of the person being investigated by the Federal Court. The individual was located and arrested upon returning from Frankfurt, connecting in Brazil.
A CNN Brazil found that the man underwent a custody hearing this Friday, in which the judge maintained his preventive detention. He was taken to the CDP (Provisional Detention Center) of Guarulhoswhere it is available to the courts.
Chilean away from the company
After the case, Germán Andrés Naranjo Maldini was removed from the company he works for in Chile.
Germán has been a commercial executive at Landes, a fish manufacturing company, for over 10 years. In a note released this Friday (15), Landes reported that it became aware of the case through the press.
“The company ccategorically and unequivocally condemns all acts of discrimination, racism and homophobia. ANDThis type of behavior is completely incompatible with Landes’ values and its Non-Discrimination Policy, which applies to all company employees. THE company is gathering more information to make appropriate decisions, in accordance with its internal protocols and current regulations.”
This Saturday morning, Landes sent a internal communication to employees informing Germán’s formal and preventive removal from his position. The document was obtained by the Chilean portal BioBio Chile and confirmed by CNN Brazil.
What does Latam say
In a statement, Latam informed that it repudiates the case and provides support to the employee who has been a victim. Read below in full:
“LATAM strongly repudiates any discriminatory and violent practice, including crimes of racism, xenophobia and homophobia. For this reason, the company fully collaborates with the Federal Police in the case of the passenger who committed discriminatory violence against one of its crew members on flight LA8070 (São Paulo-Frankfurt), on May 10th (Sunday), and who was detained at Guarulhos airport on May 15th (Friday). LATAM clarifies although it provides psychological support and legal support to the employee who is a victim of this violence”.
A CNN Brazil tries to locate the Chilean’s defense. The space remains open.
