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08th Jan 2016

Cologne Police Chief Steps Down Following Mass Sexual Assaults

There are now over 120 complaints filed with the city's police

Ellen Tannam

Yesterday it emerged that the police in Cologne simply could not cope with the outbreak of violence and sexual assaults that occurred in the city on New Year’s Eve.

It has come to light that the chief of police has now stepped down from his post after a massive outcry about the handling of the attacks, which left many women in the city feeling vulnerable and traumatised. According to The Wall Street Journal, Wolfgang Albers stepped down over his mishandling of the events on December 31st.

There are 31 suspects currently being sought by German police. In a statement, Albers said he was stepping down at the request of the interior Minister of the state in North Rhine Westphalia.

The German media have made accusations of a cover-up regarding the alleged involvement of migrants in carrying out the attacks, with the number of complaints rising to over 120.

Angela Merkel’s spokesperson stated:

“First and foremost, this is about criminality, not about refugees,” Ms. Merkel’s spokesman said. “Holding back and sugarcoating things will not only hurt us, it will also hurt the rule of law and the majority of completely blameless refugees who are seeking protection with us.”

Lead Image via DW