Image copyright Getty Echoes of attacks on women committed in the Cologne New Year’s Eve, are still heard throughout Germany – against the backdrop of the resignation of the chief of the city police on Friday and the news that among the suspects were applicants refugee status. Correspondent BBC BBC Jenny Hill recalls the events that led both women and refugees feel vulnerable.
Central Cologne Cathedral – Gothic giant. Dull winter morning greatness of his stone is particularly impressive – he dominates the bright lights, glass and concrete station next door to him. His face covered with soot stone angels evoke melancholy. I was here a few days ago, wrapped up by a sharp wind, and watched as crowds of passengers are carried by on the sidewalk.
And then I noticed the flower pots, three tiny plants left on the steps of the cathedral. Small white flowers, trembling in the wind, passing unnoticed by people. To one of the pots was attached note. “We do not attack women,” – he said in it. – “Even with flowers.” No sign, no indication as to who left them here.
Because, of course, it is here – in the New Year’s Eve – holiday in turmoil, dozens of women were subjected to sexual harassment and robbery.
Even now, no one – including the police – for sure does not know what happened. The victims told the crowds of drunken men suddenly surrounded them. They threw firecrackers around were heard shouting and noise. Young women say they were hundreds of attackers. And quite a bit of police. No protection. All this happened in the heart of one of the largest cities in Germany.
The attacks have infuriated the country, and incensed before the hot discussion. Germany is trying to cope with record levels of immigration. Last year, a lot more than a million people have come here to ask for asylum.
That night, the crowd was a significant number of Syrian, Afghan and Iraqi men, who wore carry documents of asylum petition. Critics do not miss the opportunity to present all this as evidence that the policy of “open doors” Angela Merkel towards refugees jeopardized the lives of Germans.
The indignation of residents is the words and actions of the police, who initially claimed that New Year’s Eve in Cologne took place peacefully. Suspicion falls on the media reported the attack a few days later. One of the TV stations publicly apologized for the delay. Now fears are growing that the warm welcome extended by the Germans migrants last year came his side.
One of the young women who were in the New Year’s Eve on the Square, invited me to his home on the outskirts of Cologne, where she lives with his parents.
At the threshold I met a small – and very energetic – Jack Russell. It Sparky, Michelle told me, smiling, while the father picked up the dog in his arms and carried him. I could hear a barking Sparky from the next room.
Michelle 18 years. While she was telling me about yourself – she is studying economics at the university – I looked around the family smiled at me with pictures hanging on the wall.
She described how she and her friends were surrounded by a group of 20-30 men, who then attacked them. She did not understand the language in which they speak. “They grabbed our hands, dragged down clothes, tried to push his hands between our legs,” – she said.
In the corner of the room mom Michelle standing with arms folded.
“The police are now you need to think about what to do to help us – continues Michael. – It’s not a normal situation for Germany or the Western world “.
But she was worried. “It would be wrong to blame the refugees, – she tells me. – They need our help”.
Many people are afraid of negative reaction aimed at the 4000 potential refugees living in Cologne.
Near one of the largest centers for refugees in the city, I met with a young Iraqi man with striking green eyes. It is depressing place: red brick building with dirty windows facing the noisy two-way street.
Despite this, Hasan smiles, talking about plans to stay in Germany and worked as a mechanic. “I want to thank Angela Merkel – he admires the newly learned German. – I love this country!”
I asked him if he had heard about the attacks, and for a moment he looked regretful. “Yes, – he said. – I’m so sorry that this happened. But the Iraqis and Syrians – are good people”.
Hassan hopes that his mother and brother join him in Germany. As he walked away from me through the gate of the center, I could not help but think about what is destined to Do Now this happen.
It seems that so much time has passed since Angela Merkel said that Germany will be able to cope with a huge influx of refugees.
Then so many were impressed by its moral compass. Germany, she said – it is a rich, stable country, which has something to offer.
But I think about those delicate flowers left at the cathedral – delicate petals on the harsh winter wind.
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