German Chancellor Angela Merkel has condemned sexual assaults on close to 90 women in Cologne on New Years Eve, describing the act as “disgusting”.
Police in Cologne announced that 90 women have filed complaints of sexual abuse, harassment and assault during the New Year festivities.
Up to 1,000 young men, primarily of Middle Eastern and North African origin were involved in the act.
Merkl told the Mayor of Cologne, Henritte Reker, that she was outraged at the "disgusting attacks and sexual assaults," perpetrated against the women of Cologne.
She said that those responsible must be found "as quickly and comprehensively as possible," and that Germany should punish them, "regardless of their origin or background."
One of the women was raped.
It's not clear if all the perpetrators of this sexual violence were asylum seekers or refugees, who arrived as part of the large influx into Europe last year, but police have reported that all suspects arrested were recent arrivals.
As a result an increased police presence is expected for carnivals in the city in February.
"We need to prevent confusion about what constitutes happy behaviour and what is utterly separate from openness, especially in sexual behavior,” said the German Chancellor.
Merkel has to date been very receptive to refugees fleeing conflict zones in the Middle East, particularly Syria.
Police in Cologne announced that 90 women have filed complaints of sexual abuse, harassment and assault during the New Year festivities.
Up to 1,000 young men, primarily of Middle Eastern and North African origin were involved in the act.
Merkl told the Mayor of Cologne, Henritte Reker, that she was outraged at the "disgusting attacks and sexual assaults," perpetrated against the women of Cologne.
She said that those responsible must be found "as quickly and comprehensively as possible," and that Germany should punish them, "regardless of their origin or background."
One of the women was raped.
It's not clear if all the perpetrators of this sexual violence were asylum seekers or refugees, who arrived as part of the large influx into Europe last year, but police have reported that all suspects arrested were recent arrivals.
As a result an increased police presence is expected for carnivals in the city in February.
"We need to prevent confusion about what constitutes happy behaviour and what is utterly separate from openness, especially in sexual behavior,” said the German Chancellor.
Merkel has to date been very receptive to refugees fleeing conflict zones in the Middle East, particularly Syria.
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