Amazon cuts ties with "neo-Nazi" guards

The retailer fired HESS security after reports alleged ties with fascist groups and intimidation of foreign workers

Published February 19, 2013 4:00PM (EST)

BERLIN -- Amazon says it has fired a German security company amid mounting criticism after reports that temporary workers had been mistreated.

An Amazon spokeswoman in Germany, Ulrike Stoecker, said Monday the online retailer has ended its relationship with Hensel European Security Services "with immediate effect."

A documentary shown on ARD public television last week showed staff of the security company – whose initials spell out the name of Adolf Hitler's deputy Hess – wearing clothes linked to Germany's neo-Nazi scene. It interviewed people claiming they were mistreated by the staff.

Stoecker told The Associated Press that Amazon has a "zero tolerance limit for discrimination and intimidation and expects the same of other companies it works with."

The company, hired by one of Amazon's subcontractor, last week denied it supported far-right opinions.


By Associated Press

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