Oktoberfest Celebrations Overshadowed by Assaults…
The annual Oktoberfest celebrations in Munich have failed to be halted, despite two serious sexual assaults on women being reported. The German festival where party goers are encouraged to drink in excess from start to finish attracts a huge crowd from around the world. Revellers can enjoy a massive variety of alcohol, fairground type rides and as much food as they can possibly consume. The festival usually occurs in high spirits, but this year it seems some party goers had other intentions.
On Saturday, a 24 year old woman is reported to have met a man at the Oktoberfest who offered to walk her to the train station. On their way the man pushed her to the floor and raped her before she was able to escape. A few days later on Tuesday, a different woman was approached by a gang of three men as she was going to the bathroom. They began to sexually assault her but luckily she was able to fight back and get away. None of the aforementioned men have been tracked down by the authorities and it seems little else is being done to keep festival goers safe.
Following the attacks, the police issued an announcement, in both the English and German language, advising women to be cautious of any new acquaintances. German newspaper, The Local, reported that there had been ‘no advice issued for men to not attack people’….
Oktoberfest is an event that takes place in other cities around the world, with the same activities of eating, drinking and socialising with strangers. With the recent unacceptable events in Munich it remains to be seen if security will be stepped up or even if women will be less inclined to attend…
Source: The Local
I’m sorry, but men have to be advised that it is not okay to attack women???? Suggesting that they don’t know the difference between right and wrong, therefore they’re not accountable for their actions? Idiot of a local paper!!
Yep, I really had to double check they were actually printing that!
I agree , Laura . They could have reported on the positive of the event . But do understand making people know to watch out for this kind of acts .
Since when do men have to be “advised not to attack women”??? Isn’t that … oh I don’t know … being a decent human being 101!!! But did you notice how women have been warned to be wary of new acquaintences … Once again, we’re pandering to the “blame the victim” culture.
It’s absolutely shocking and incredibly tragic that people can perceive this kind of crime in such a way. Something has definitely gone wrong
A shame on humanity! What filth!
Couldn’t agree more
Well, as with any public event of that scale that involves drinking, I would advise both males and females to stick with their friends. I think it is just a common sense, rather than ‘blame the victim’ culture. Unfortunately, there are some nasty people(both males and females) and if you are alone with no friends around, you make an easy target, no matter whether you are male or female.
I would agree with you there but it’s incredibly sad that people have to even be wary in such a way. Those who seek to do harm to others really have no place on this planet.
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“…have no place on this planet.”
I enjoy your writings and am curious to find out more about what this means in application.
Just read the Taliban article too. Afghanistan is a tribal nation. Without industrialization it will remain that way.
Keith