The above video shows a fight which broke out between an off duty bus driver, still wearing his Arriva uniform, and a young woman after he started shouting at her, telling her to “behave decently” (sura ta’ nies).

Eyewitnesses claim that the incident occurred because the young woman is gay and was cuddling her girlfriend on the bus.  The altercation turned violent after the driver pushed the girl to the ground and injured her.  Throughout the video she can be heard protesting and arguing with him, saying this is a ‘democratic country’.  It was good to note that other passengers also came to her defense.

In a statement, Arriva have confirmed that the employee has been fired. “We have a zero tolerance policy for violence and a very clear diversity policy,” a spokesman for the company said.

What struck me about the verbal exchange was the arrogant way the driver told her to “behave decently”.

I can only rely on the comments I’ve read from people who were there, but as far as I have learned, the couple were not doing anything “indecent”, merely being affectionate. Now, unless we are going to make it illegal for any type of couple to be affectionate in public, then this driver had no business becoming so hostile.

In any case, I  wonder if “decency” in his world means inviting a young woman for a fist fight, as he is heard doing in the video. Where exactly does he think he is, Rambo territory?

What is even more shocking, however, are some of the online comments (by men) that the girl should not have been so aggressive towards him (!) and why is that women can lash out but men cannot hit back.

Whether this was a case of gay-bashing or not, it is clear that the level of aggression and violence  in general is increasing in this country. When it comes from a person in uniform dealing with the public as a representative of  his company it is even more unacceptable.  You are obliged  to show maturity, professionalism and good manners, no matter whether you have had a bad day or not and irrespective of your own personal hang-ups.

Sura ta’ nies, indeed.