Anti-terror poster ‘reminiscent of Nazi propaganda’
British transport chiefs said they are saddened members of the public reacted with anger at the poster
Bosses at British Transport Police have said they are “saddened” at the angry reaction to public safety posters placed in stations this week, after complaints that the character portrayed resembled the hook-nosed Jew of Nazi propaganda.
The posters appeared as part of an anti-terrorism campaign, approved by the Department of Transport, and urge commuters to report others acting suspiciously.
However the cartoon graphics, showing a sinister man in the shadows, provoked a strong online reaction, with many comparing the image to that used in the infamous 1937 Nazi poster, titled ‘The Eternal Jew.’
In a statement posted online, BTP said: “We are saddened that people may have been upset by parts of this campaign. That certainly wasn’t the intention. The campaign uses illustrations rather than photographs to avoid singling out any group or part of the community.”
London resident Mandy Wax said it warranted an investigation, adding: “We cannot tolerate images like this which are reminiscent of Nazi propaganda. They have the potential to divide us and incite hatred. BTP have apologised but they need to take the posters down.”
We understand there are some concerns about the #SeeItSayItSorted campaign with @transportgovuk launched this week. Here's our response. pic.twitter.com/1VDZBM15KV
— British Transport Police (@BTP) November 3, 2016
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