On the fringes of the German Unity Day celebrations in Bremen, an attack targeted a gay couple. The two men, ages 29 and 33, were taunted and beaten by a group of about ten people because of their sexual orientation, according to police on Sunday.
The assault took place on Sögestraße. When the 29-year-old pulled out his phone to document the harassment, he and his partner were struck by several attackers from the group with fists. The suspects fled on foot afterward. The attackers were said to have spoken Arabic.
The 29-year-old received initial treatment from emergency responders and was treated on an outpatient basis at a hospital. The couple had earlier attended the Unity Day celebrations in Bremen’s Old Town.
Police opened charges of hate-inciting insult and dangerous bodily harm. Because crimes against LGBTQ people are classified as hate crimes, the investigation was taken over by the state protection unit. Witnesses should contact the Bremen Police’s Criminal Investigation Department at (0421) 362-3888. (AFP)
Marcy Ellerton
