Pre-empting World Cup racism.

22 Apr, 2006

Following the near-fatal bashing of a black German man in Potsdam last week, the Africa Council is planning to issue a brochure to World Cup visitors indicating no-go areas in Berlin and other parts of Germany. Representing 25 African and German-African groups in the country, the Council has warned that parts of former East Berlin, including the districts of Koepenick and Marzahn-Hellersdorf, are unsafe for black people and foreigners. Government leaders including Berlins Interior Senator Erhart Koerting have criticized the initiative, claiming that there are no dangers for particular racial groups associated with certain areas of the city. However, Africa Council chairman, Moctar Kamara, does not agree, pointing out that politicians live in a different world and have no direct experience of racist attitudes.