In a perplexing and infuriating display of judicial priorities, Germany has made headlines for punishing a woman more severely for speaking out against migrant rapists than the rapists themselves. In Hamburg, a 20-year-old woman has been sentenced to prison for making “hateful” remarks towards a migrant involved in the gang rape of a 14-year-old girl. She is just one among 140 individuals being investigated for making “harmful comments” towards the perpetrators of this brutal crime.
Rapists To Go Scott Free?
The harrowing incident took place in 2020 in Hamburg’s Stadtpark, a popular hangout for youth during the COVID-19 lockdowns. The 14-year-old victim was separated from her friends after police enforced social distancing measures, leaving her alone and vulnerable. She was first attacked by a group of four men who took turns raping her and robbing her of her wallet and cellphone. As if this wasn’t horrific enough, the girl was subsequently assaulted by two more men, followed by another lone attacker, and finally by a group of three men who dragged her into a bush for another round of sexual assault.
The assailants, deriving sick pleasure from their actions, shared their exploits via chat groups, inviting more men to join in. Despite the overwhelming evidence the German justice system faltered. These include DNA from nine of the men and witness testimony about videos of the assaults. Out of the eleven men initially charged, two were quickly acquitted due to a lack of DNA evidence. The remaining nine hailed from diverse backgrounds, faced lenient consequences. These include Poland, Egypt, Libya, Kuwait, Iran, Armenia, Afghanistan, Syria, and Montenegro. Eight of these men walked free with probation, and only one received a sentence of two years and nine months.
Plight of the Victim
The victim, now suffering from PTSD, bravely recounted her ordeal in court, only to face the indifference of her attackers, who showed no remorse. This case rightly caused public outrage in Germany, not just for the horrific nature of the crime but also for the appallingly lenient sentences handed down to the rapists. In a twist that defies reason, the focus shifted to punishing those who dared to express their disgust and anger.
Rightful Outrage Against Migrant Rapists
One young woman, incensed by the case, sent a WhatsApp message to one of the rapists, calling him a “dishonorable rapist pig” and a “disgusting miscarriage.” She also questioned how he could face himself in the mirror. The rapist, rather than facing his crimes, reported her to the police. In an astonishing display of judicial priorities, the woman was convicted and sentenced to a weekend in prison. Ironically she is spending more time behind bars than eight of the rapists.
This young woman’s experience is not unique. Authorities in Hamburg are investigating 140 other individuals for offenses related to issuing “insult, threats, or other detriment” towards the rapists. It seems the justice system is more concerned with protecting the feelings of criminals than delivering justice for victims.
Germany’s approach to this case sends a chilling message. Speaking out against migrant rapists is a greater offence than the act of rape itself. The country’s legal system appears more focused on pacifying migrants than upholding justice for victims. This tragic misalignment of priorities not only fails the victims but also undermines public trust in the judicial system. The voices of the outraged are being silenced while the perpetrators of heinous crimes walk free.