Racist attack on young girls in Germany sparks outrage

Following an attack in northern Germany in which a Ghanaian girl and her father were injured, the police received numerous tips, including information on possible suspects, a police spokesman told dpa on Sunday.

The investigation is extensive and will take some time, he added.

According to initial police findings, an 8-year-old Ghanaian girl and her 10-year-old sister were attacked by a group of around 20 teenagers and young adults. The 8-year-old and her father, who intervened, were taken to hospital with what were described as minor injuries.

The alleged racist attack has sparked outrage among politicians and led to a public outcry.

The attack occurred on Friday evening in the town of Grevesmühlen in the northeastern state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.

The attackers are said to have kicked the younger girl in the face. When the children’s parents intervened, a fight broke out.

According to reports, the attackers shouted racist slogans during the city festival. Up to eight people from the group are now being investigated for several crimes, including grievous bodily harm and incitement to hatred.

There were further allegedly racially motivated incidents in the region over the weekend. A group gave the Nazi salute in the state capital of Schwerin, and in the small town of Penkun near the Polish border there was a violent confrontation with racist chants.

These incidents have heightened concerns about increasing racism and violence in the region.

The mayor of Grevesmühlen, Lars Prahler, was shocked by the violence.

“This racially motivated act simply leaves me speechless. It shows bottomless hatred and immense inhumanity and is inexcusable.” The fact that these were young people is also no excuse.