Germany: Girl (13) Sexually Assaulted in Public Pool- 8 Arrested

This is a recurring problem in public pools in Germany and other European countries. Eight young men, ages 16-26) with Iraqi, Syrian, and Turkish citizenship, have been arrested after they allegedly sexually abused a 13-year-old girl at a swimming pool in Cologne. They are all now reportedly free after being booked.

The below article in BILD (Germany) is translated by Fousesquawk.

 https://www.bild.de/regional/koeln/koeln-aktuell/koeln-acht-maenner-missbrauchen-maedchen-in-schwimmbad-85449884.bild.html

Girl (13) abused in Cologne swimming pool

All 8 suspects are free

Caption: The crime reportedly happened at the Cologne Agrippa pool.

Photo: Lars Jaeger

By Tim Specks and Nina Stampflmeier

Sept. 18, 2023-20:15

Cologne (NRW)- Disgusting act in the Agrippa outdoor pool in Cologne. On Sunday, 8 young men (16-26 years of age) reportedly harassed and sexually abused a girl (13). That is reported by the police on Monday.

According to investigators, the girl managed to free herself and inform the lifeguard. He immediately called the emergency number, (and) 7 patrol cars came and found the suspects at the exit of the swimming pool as they were about to flee. A witness, also a guest at the swimming pool, incriminated the group. 

According to what is presently known, the young men (three of whom are 16, three 21, 22, 26) reportedly surrounded the young girl in the water, harassed her, and threw her in the air.

While pushing her under the water, an Iraqi (16) residing in Cologne reportedly grabbed the girl in her bikini bottom! The other suspects reside in Cologne, Rhein-Sieg-Kreis (district), in Rhein-Erft-Kreis, in Rheinisch-Bergischen Kreis, and in Bonn. “Four of them have Syrian citizenship, and three have Turkish citizenship,” the police report. 

BILD learns: The German child was with girlfriends in the pool (and) did not know the alleged attackers previously. The witness, as well as the suspects, are now being questioned. Criminal Police 12, which handles sexual crimes, is now investigating the case.

After the alleged crime, the suspects were processed for identification purposes and released.

“The 13-year-old was interviewed in the presence of her parents,” said a police spokesperson. Victim services will also make contact with her (and) will treat her calmly and carefully.

The police are seeking further witnesses to the alleged abuse and ask that they contact telephone number 0221/2290 or by email ([email protected])

 Lifeguards are trained

A spokesperson for Cologne swimming pools responded to a BILD inquiry: “We are happy that our lifeguard immediately reacted and called police. Our employees are trained for such situations.”

Due to ongoing investigations, no information as to further measures will be given.