Criticism of Mayor: Sexual attacks in the Gelnhausen outdoor pool!

Criticism of Mayor: Sexual attacks in the Gelnhausen outdoor pool!

in Gelnhausen, Hesse, an incident in the Barbarossa outdoor pool causes great sensation and violent discussions. The mayor Christian Litzinger (CDU) is exposed to sharp criticism after several minor girls have become victims of sexual harassment in a current case. As Welt , the presumed act was committed by four Syrian men, according to the first reports At least eight girls aged 11 to 16. The incidents occurred on June 22, 2023, but the critical tones are still halls.

The FDP politician Kolja was Saß Saß accuses Litzinger of trivializing the sexual crimes. "Not to take care of the safety of the children at temperatures like this is irresponsible," said Saß. This becomes all the more tangible when you consider that an application for his parliamentary group to improve the security situation in swimming pools was rejected in December 2022. The application included strengthening civil courage, a better concept for social workers and a well thought -out security concept. Bitter that an incident has now occurred that could have been prevented.

incident in the outdoor pool

The situation got into a critical situation when the girls concerned turned directly to the swimming pool staff on the day of the attacks. But first they were sent back into the water to observe the situation. The police were only called later when the urge to support other girls was noticeable. These tragic circumstances and the lack of immediate reaction from the staff raise questions. The head of the Barbarossabad, Nils Tischer, expressed that the quick reaction of the girls was a ray of hope, but remains the trivialization of the situation on the part of the mayor.

The four suspects, all Syrian nationals and members of the same family, were ultimately released after preliminary arrest. The Hanau public prosecutor has taken over the investigation and the girls concerned should be heard in the coming days in order to gain clarity about the incidents. Interior Minister Roman Poseck (CDU) speaks of serious and unbearable incidents and calls for a quick education and consistent law enforcement.

security situation in swimming pools

A look at the general security situation in Hesse's swimming pools shows that such incidents are by no means individual cases. According to Tagesschau Last year in Hesse, a total of 74 crimes against sexual self-determination in swimming pools were registered. The clarification rate was 82%, and a considerable part of the determined suspect was non-German. This makes it clear that the debate about security and attacks not only affects Gelnhausen, but is a much more comprehensive challenge that needs to be solved.

While the city of Gelnhausen has now reacted with a house ban on the suspects and regular patrols from the city police are considered in the swimming pool, it remains to be seen how the mayor and the responsible staff will in future respond to the challenges of security in the bathroom. Critics complain that it should not be about convictions or generalizations against refugees, but about a constructive dialogue about the safety of all bathers.