In Gelnhausen, Hesse, Germany, nine underage girls aged between 11 and 17 were sexually harassed at an outdoor swimming pool by a group of Syrian men. Four suspects, aged 18 to 28, have been arrested, while a fifth remains at large. The assaults reportedly involved inappropriate touching in the pool's whirlpool area. The local mayor, Christian Litzinger of the CDU party, attributed the incident to heightened tempers caused by hot weather, a statement that has drawn public criticism. The victims and witnesses claim that pool staff ignored calls for help during the incidents. The Hessian Interior Minister has called for strict measures, including deportations. Despite the arrests, the suspects were released shortly after, with authorities stating there was no flight risk, raising concerns about the safety of the victims. This case is part of a broader pattern of sexual assaults and harassment in public pools across Germany and Austria, often involving migrants. In response to similar issues, the Swiss town of Porrentruy near the French border has banned French nationals and other foreigners from accessing its public swimming pools during the summer months to maintain safety and order. The ban follows repeated reports of harassment and disorderly conduct by young visitors from France. The measure, effective until August 31, has sparked debate and mixed reactions in Switzerland and France. Authorities emphasize the decision aims to preserve a respectful environment rather than being discriminatory.
Les Français sont nombreux à avoir une piscine, dans toutes les régions, notamment en Bretagne. A tel point qu'à Rennes, l'agglomération a décidé de sévir pour cause de sécheresse. Elle limite la taille des bassins. #jt20h #rennes #secheresse https://t.co/wNW0LPdZ4z
Null Toleranz für Täter: Freibäder wieder sicher machen! ✋ #DeshalbAfD #AfD https://t.co/VhHcnzPUTl
Sommer, Sonne, Freibad. Früher war es dort sicher, heute droht Gefahr. Belästigungen, Schlägereien, Übergriffe auf Mädchen. In Bayern sind 60 % der Täter Ausländer, Syrer sind stark überrepräsentiert. Das Ergebnis der verantwortungslosen Migrationspolitik. Wer unsere Gesetze https://t.co/poeCK50J1L