Sexual attacks in the swimming pool: Interior Minister calls for consequences!

Sexual attacks in the swimming pool: Interior Minister calls for consequences!

In Gelnhausen, an unfortunate incident causes unrest and incomprehension. On June 22, 2025, there were several cases of sexual harassment in the Barbarossa outdoor pool, in which at least eight girls between the ages of 11 and 16 were attacked by several men. The Hanau public prosecutor has taken over the investigation and has already initiated a procedure for sexual harassment. The alleged perpetrators include four men between the ages of 18 and 28, two of whom are Syrian citizens.

After the first reports, five girls were initially affected, but the number quickly rose to eight. Another man who is connected to the suspects left the outdoor pool before the police arrived. The staff of the swimming pool acted in an exemplary manner after the girls concerned asked for help and immediately informed the police.

demands for clarity and consequences

Interior Minister Roman Poseck (CDU) called for a quick and comprehensive information on the incidents. He emphasizes that it is necessary to draw clear consequences for asylum seekers who are guilty of sexual crimes. At the same time, he spoke out against a generalization of the allegations in order not to give a negative impression of refugees. Poseck also supports the claim of the Interior Ministers' Conference after the deportation of Syrian offenders in the context of these incidents.

Mayor Christian Litzinger also commented on the events and saw no security problem in the Barbarossa outdoor pool. "It is the first incident of this kind this year," he emphasized, pointing out that only four incidents without sexual background were recorded in the previous year. However, this assessment raises many questions, especially if you look at the statistics of recent years.

safety in swimming pools in focus

In Hesse, 74 crimes against sexual self -determination in swimming pools were registered last year, with the clarification rate 82%. An evaluation shows that 55 of the 57 determined suspects were male, and 60% of them had a non-German background. These figures show that the topic of security in swimming pools is still very popular and requires a quick solution.

"We absolutely have to make structural improvements," demands Nils Tischer, the head of the Barbarossabad. He indicates the need for more personnel and improved clues to prevent attacks at an early stage. The President of the Bathwiesen roof association BDS, Peter Harzheim, supports these views and at the same time warns of a lack of personnel that could endanger the safety of the bathers.

The incident in Gelnhausen represents a serious wake -up call that affects us all. "We cannot afford to let up on security," said a spokesman for the police. It remains to be hoped that the current investigations will bring clarity and the necessary steps will be initiated in order to avoid similar incidents in the future.

For further information on the incidents and the current location in swimming pools in Hesse, see the reports of FAZ and Tagesschau . In addition, you will find comprehensive data on crime statistics on Statista .