Mass sexual assaults in Cologne on New Years Eve

[Cellardoor1]

I've just read this and I'm shocked that such a thing could happen. A group of around 1,000 men gathered and assaulted at least 60 women and girls and also pickpocketed people. Apparently the news wasn't released until now out of fears it could stir up tension as the men appeared to be of Arab/North African appearance, possibly refugees.

abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/cologne-police-chief-condemns-sex-assaults-years-eve-36083833

'what could we do to prevent this from happening in the future, God forbid, in the UK?"

You can't prevent it and it's inevitable that it will happen. Depressingly inevitable.

No, Inkanta, of course not, it is the suggestion that others may carr out similar attacks simply because of ethnic and cultural origin that is racist.

The situation in Syria is complex but if there were more legal routes for people to claim asylum, rather than perilous journeys that cost 1000 pounds per individual, then the situation would be very different.

Remarks such as: "I am very upset about the men going. We have a major crisis here. In my opinion, it is forbidden to leave the country, they leave when it is in a bad need. They have to defend it. So if they go, who will protect us? We are their honour This is exactly why I'd take women, children, disabled and old first. What was Merkel thinking?

Turn it around, Luna. If 100 white men of various nationalities and faiths assaulted a group of, let's say, Asian women waiting for a coach, the reports would use the word "white" because it would be relevant. That is not being racist. Furthermore, the report might state that the women were Hindus or Sikhs waiting for their coach - that is not racist either. Police APBs contain info on origin and colour, if they did not the alerts would be useless.

I actually think Luna's arguments are helpful in illustrating which way society is going: soon (now?) women who are assaulted and give a description of their attacker that describes the attacker's ethnic origin will be deemed racist. She may even be prosecuted.

This is where political correctness is leading us. And this is where lots of people say: STOP, too far

We have found the limit of political correct thinking.

*'what could we do to prevent this from happening in the future, God forbid, in the UK?"

You can't prevent it and it's inevitable that it will happen. Depressingly inevitable.*

Hopefully there's less chance of it happening here though because we're not in Schengen?

'This is where political correctness is leading us.'

'*'what could we do to prevent this from happening in the future, God forbid, in the UK?"
'

Only an end to political correctness will turn things around. It seemed impossible. The media, the BBC, the metropolitan elite seemed so politically correct, but it will be overturned in the end. Donald Trump is an indication that it is all going to change.

I think Merkel will be kicked out within one year, the whole politically correct game will end.

It's already happened in Rotheram and Newcastle though. The girls who were sexually exploited were still assaulted and raped because they couldn't give consent due to the fact that they had been groomed, coerced and threatened.

The police and social services allowed this to happen because being accused of 'racism' is deemed to be worse than allowing females to be harmed.

Females are bottom of the pile, again. Germany is no different and we're no different.

A swing to the extreme right then claig?

How nice.

How preferable

The extreme right are great for women's rights too eh?

'Germany is no different and we're no different.'

But that is only due to the political class. The political class will change. Merkel will probably be gone within one year. Political correctness is clinging on for dear life but they are running out of fingers to place in the dyke.

Main point here is, 1000 'men'collectively sort out women to assault.

The authorites were slow to react also the media,

Then there has been statements claiming they can't police it, so women will just have to fend for themselves.

These are the major issues, as pp have pointed out the German laws already in place about sexual assault are crap and need addressing.

In a way it doesn't matter what culture the perpetrators come from, everyone needs to live by the laws of the country they live in, and that country needs to be able to uphold those laws and protect there citizens.

What ever the cause of this on New Years Eve, it should not be allowed to happen again.

If in fact that means analysing in more detail the circumstances and majority of people involved, to find a way of preventing it in future, then so be it.

But also there needs to be stricter laws on sexual assault in the first place.

Ah yes hidden, Rotherham

'A swing to the extreme right then claig?'

No, a return of common sense. Trump was a Democrat, voted for Obama. He is not really right, he is a common sense populist. If he wins, which I think will happen despite all the attempts of the politically correct to stop him, then Europe will be transformed and its political class will be transformed back to common sense.

You do know what Trump's views on abortion are, Claig? And what right wing republicans typically say about rape? In what way would a lurch to the right help women in situations like this? Sure, it would help to demonise a whole group of people on the basis of a few members of that group, but it would do nothing, for instance, to repeal/change section 177 of the German penal code.

What a shame what was an intelligent, well thought out, well argued thread by people who are actually informed about the Middle East has suddenly been hijacked both by the "so open minded my brains have fallen out" brigade, and by their counterpart, the nastily right wing brigade.

'Then there has been statements claiming they can't police it'

This doesn't really make sense. Of course they can police it if the political class gives the police the money and resources and strengthens the laws. This sounds more like the police throwing up their hands which is really about politics and changing the current status quo. It is a bit like the police saying "what do you expect? We can't fix it" which means that the political class will in the end be thrown out because they arebresponsible not the police.

These attacks weren't just about sexual assault though. The women were robbed too. The police weren't interested in dealing with these robberies either. Tightening up laws relating to sexual assault won't do anything.

Rape of the population by 'invaders' and during wars has been going on for thousands of years. It sends a powerful message to everyone in that country that the 'invaders' mean business and are capable of exerting their will. It's a violent symbolic act, not merely a sexual one by blokes who can't control their urges.

'Can't you get off your pet topic for once?'

No because it is all interrelated and shows that unlike posters who think there is no hope and that things will just get worse, they won't. Things are going to change all across Europe and what happens in the United States will lead that change.

Trump is a lunatic. I don't know how they dare even wheel him out. He should be kept well and truly sedated under wraps

hidden I do agree, I had narrowed my argument down to the sex laws being useless.

Ah, yes, the great United States to the rescue eh?

They helped to get us into this mess and they'll undoubtedly make things worse in the future with their arrogant, mindless meddling.

'In what way would a lurch to the right help women in situations like this?'

Because as many posters have rightly said, this is about political correctness and not facing the truth and not being allowed to open;ly report or post comments on the Guardian about opinions. That will all end and then open debate will lead to solutions. The craven political class will lose its influence and problems will be solved.

It will be democratic and open and abortion or any other topic will be open for debate. Political correctness will not close down debate.

Lol, claig you are naive funny.

The right are every bit as oppressive as the liberal, politically correct fascism we're dealing with right now.

' this is about political correctness and not facing the truth and not being allowed to open;ly report or post comments on the Guardian about opinions.'

Yes you're right thereClaig.

'The right are every bit as oppressive as the liberal, politically correct fascism we're dealing with right now.'

I don't think so. It is about freedom and liberty. Guardian comments have been closed down on this, the Daily Mail is open, you can post what you like there. Unless people are allowed to expres what they feel and look for solutions how can anything change?

I don't believe that we need to live in an oppressive environment where we can't comment on Guardian articles and can't say "the emperor has no clothes". I think society will solve this problem using common sense. I don't think Merkel will be part of the solution because she lacks the necessary common sense which is why I think she will be gone within a year and some other politician will listen to the people and solve it.