Published13. August 2024, 18:39
KreuzlingenSexual harassment on a large scale: “Switzerland is the world champion in looking the other way”
In Kreuzlingen, a minor Swiss woman was the victim of a mass sexual assault. People at the site said they were shocked but not surprised by the incident.
Vaughan
At the Senachtfest Fantastichal in Kreuzlingen, an underage Swiss woman was the victim of severe sexual assault.
The perpetrator was described as having “an Arab appearance”, Thurgau cantonal police are investigating and hoping for witnesses.
Those present at the site expressed concerns about the incident, though they found security measures to be generally adequate.
On Sunday night, a minor Swiss woman was seriously sexually assaulted at the festival grounds of the Fantastical Senachtfest in Kreuzlingen. The perpetrator, whom the victim described as “looking like an Arabic” and speaking standard German, continued to threaten the girl after the crime. Thurgau cantonal police are investigating.
“Unfortunately this happens quite often”
Was there for 20 minutes and was able to speak to three Kanti students (17) who were also there on Saturday evening. “We thought the festival was great.” However, they also said that the later it got, the more strangers there were. The three young women did not complain about the lack of security: “There was definitely a lot of security on site and we generally felt safe.”
The students talk for 20 minutes about how they were at the Lake Night Festival until four in the morning, but at no point did they hear anything about the horrific incident. “We only read about it later on the internet.”
“As soon as alcohol is involved, you have to be even more careful.”
We meet two women from Kreuzlingen (16), 20 minutes from where it happened. One of them was also at the festival. She too was unaware of the terrible incident and only found out about it when reports were published in the media. “We are never alone during this time,” they both say. Then they always have other female or male friends with them, so they feel safe.
A girl present at the party says of the event and safety precautions: “It’s because of the attitude of the people who do such horrible things and some security guards don’t stop them.” An acquaintance of hers witnessed minor harassment in one of the festival tents. “As soon as alcohol is involved, you have to take care of yourself even more.”
Surprised, but somehow not
Richard Lüthi (70), owner of a mini golf and gardening business in Kreuzlingen, also heard about the tragic incident over the weekend. “I’m shocked that this happened, but when I think of the people who sometimes walk around here, I’m not surprised,” Lüthi tells 20 Minuten.
Vandalism, theft and urination in the back of the garden sheds up to the big shops also make life difficult for the owner of the garden restaurant. He adds: “I have recently installed cameras everywhere and hired someone to maintain order here from around 10 pm. People should feel comfortable here; such figures should stay away.”
“On the other hand, the Swiss are the world champions.”
He was unaware of this horrific incident and read about it later in the media. The 70-year-old has his own children and now grandchildren, which is why such incidents make him think. He would also like to appeal to parents of teenagers to not leave their children unattended for so long and in such an environment. “Unfortunately, this is necessary for those who are roaming around these days.”
He wonders why no one noticed the attack and why the perpetrator was allowed to escape easily: “We Swiss are world champions in looking the other way.” This was not due to too few security personnel; there was a huge police presence on the scene. Finally, Luthi says: “There can be too many police officers on such an occasion. If the Swiss attitude does not change and everyone is allowed to escape, unfortunately such attacks will happen again and again.”
no arrests yet
Several reports were received in response to the Thurgau cantonal police’s call for witnesses. These will now be evaluated and clarifications given accordingly. “No arrests have been made yet,” says Thurgau cantonal police spokesman Andy Thaler when asked. Since Kreuzlingen borders the German city of Konstanz, they are also working with the authorities in Germany. There have been no results in this regard so far.
Are you or someone you know being sexually harassed?
Harassed.chOnline advice on sexual harassment in the workplace
Directory of contact points
Advice Centre Victim Assistance Switzerland
Have you been following on WhatsApp for 20 minutes?
News overview, surprising stories and breaking news in the morning and at the end of the day: subscribe to the 20 Minutes WhatsApp channel and you will receive regular updates with our best stories directly on your cell phone.