Suspect in Cologne Sex-Mob Case: "I am Syrian. You have to treat me kindly. Mrs Merkel invited me"

Welp.

The outbreak of violence was also far more serious than previously thought, and at one point senior police officers feared "there could have been fatalities"

Two publications have released what they claim is an internal report by a senior officer who was at the scene.

If confirmed, the report could have far-reaching consequences for Angela Merkel's government as it tries to deal with the aftermath of the assaults.

But the leaked police report, published in Bild newspaper and Spiegel, a news magazine, claims that one of those involved told officers: "I am Syrian. You have to treat me kindly. Mrs Merkel invited me."

Another tore up his residence permit before the eyes of police, and told them: "You can't do anything to me, I can get a new one tomorrow."

A local newspaper reported that fifteen asylum-seekers from Syria and Afghanistan were briefly held by police on New Year's Eve in connection with the sex attacks but were released.

The Express newspaper quoted an unnamed police officer who said his squad had detained several people who had "only been in Germany for a few weeks".

"Of these people, 14 were from Syria and one was from Afghanistan. That's the truth. Although it hurts," he said.

It gets worse. Those suspects were all released. But their names were taken down.

The police (as well as high ministers) claimed there was "no evidence" that any of those taking part in the mob sex attacks were immigrants.

If it turns out they had those names in their possession -- or, I suppose, if they haven't yet burned every piece of paper with those names on them -- it will be just more proof that the government, practically every government, is in open war with the citizens it allegedly serves.

posted by Ace at 11:28 AM

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