Scandal in the outdoor pool: Four Syrians are bothering girls in Gelnhausen!

Scandal in the outdoor pool: Four Syrians are bothering girls in Gelnhausen!

Barbarossa-Freibad, 63571 Gelnhausen, Deutschland - The city of Gelnhausen is currently in turmoil after serious allegations have occurred in the Barbarossa outdoor pool. On June 22, there were several sexual harassment that have now attracted the attention of the public prosecutor and the police. A total of eight girls between the ages of 11 and 16 report that they were touched all over the body by four men in the water. These incidents took place when the temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius were, which attracted many people to the outdoor pool. The girls concerned immediately turned to the lifeguards, who finally informed the police. The identities of the suspects, all Syrian descent, were immediately found. While two of the suspects are related, they are all between 18 and 28 years old.

Mayor Christian Litzinger made it clear that it is a unique incident in Gelnhausen. Nevertheless, not all of the mayor's statements were uncritical. In particular, his comments on the heat and the increased number of visitors in the outdoor pool met with resistance. While the director of the outdoor pool rejects the allegations and explains that the bathroom staff was not sufficiently informed, the city will take sharper measures: a bathing and house banner for the suspects has already been given.

security situation in the outdoor pool

The public prosecutor has taken over the investigation and intended to initially hear the girls concerned. Originally there was talk of five victims, but the number quickly rose to eight. Police spokesman confirmed that the file is already available in the public prosecutor. It was also surprising that another man could leave the bathroom undetected. In view of this, many concerned about the security situation in the outdoor pool.

The Gelnhausen police emphasized that the girls' quick action was commendable. A look at other cities shows that Gelnhausen is by no means an exception. There were similar incidents in cities such as Hof and Albstadt, which occurred in the outdoor pool. According to the data of the State Criminal Police Office (LKA), Hessen reported on sexual self-determination in swimming pools in 2024, with 60 percent of the suspects being non-German.

political reactions and social effects

The discussion about the safety of women and girls in public spaces receives new updates through these incidents. State politicians and District Administrator Thorsten Stolz demanded a return of the suspects if the allegations were to be obtained. At the same time, however, some remind you to moderate and warn of a blanket discrediting of all people with a migration background. It remains to be seen how the situation will develop and what measures the city and the police will take to prevent future incidents.