A 17-year-old girl has accused five Syrian asylum seekers of sexually assaulting her in the town of Heinsberg, near Germany’s Dutch border. The case has sent shockwaves through the community and sparked national concern.
Police say the girl was allegedly attacked after being invited into an apartment early Saturday. Within hours, special units raided the home and arrested five suspects aged 17 to 26. One reportedly tried to flee custody but was quickly recaptured. “No young person should ever face something so traumatic,” said a local resident.
Authorities are now investigating whether the victim knew one of the suspects. The girl, who isn’t German, is receiving care and support as the inquiry continues.
The case has intensified Germany’s wider debate over public safety and migration. Many residents are asking the same question: how can communities protect their young people from such tragedies in the future?
