1. Skip to content
  2. Skip to main menu
  3. Skip to more DW sites

Cologne detains first sexual assault suspect

January 18, 2016

An Algerian man has been placed in custody for allegedly committing a sexual assault during the attacks in Cologne. The man is the first to be arrested on sexual offence charges and was detained at a refugee shelter.

A police vehicle patrols at the main square and in front of the central railway station in Cologne, Germany,
Image: Reuters/W. Rattay

Authorities in Cologne announced on Monday that they arrested a man for allegedly committing a sexual assault during New Year's celebrations in Cologne.

A 26-year-old Algerian man stands accused of groping a woman and stealing her mobile phone, said Cologne's chief prosecutor, Ulrich Bremer. He is the first to be arrested for sexual assault charges.

The unidentified asylum-seeker was arrested along with a 22-year old Algerian over the weekend at a refugee home in Kerpen, 30 kilometers outside of Cologne, Bremer said. The other suspect was in possession of a cell phone which was stolen during the attacks at Cologne's central train station.

@dwnews - #Ausnahmslos trends after Cologne attacks

02:45

This browser does not support the video element.

Speaking with the Associated Press news agency, Bremer said that nearly 500 women have come forward with allegations of sexual assault, including three cases of rape.

So far, 21 people have been charged with non-sexual offences, and eight of the suspects are also awaiting trial. Most of them have been accused of theft.

On New Year's Eve, witnesses at the city's main train station and cathedral described women being groped, as well as subjected to lewd insults and robbery. Most of the culprits were said to have been of a North African or Middle Eastern appearance.

The reports have fueled protests across Germany and harsh criticism of Chancellor Angela Merkel's open door policy for refugees and migrants.

rs/kms (AP, AFP, dpa)

Skip next section DW's Top Story

DW's Top Story

Skip next section More stories from DW