A non-binary person was insulted and physically assaulted on Thursday evening in Berlin-Hakenfelde, in the northwestern part of the capital, by three individuals who have not yet been identified. According to preliminary information and witness statements, the 51-year-old person was in Münsinger Park around 6:50 p.m. when the three unknown youths made comments about their appearance and directed insults at them.
Subsequently, two of the suspects reportedly threw an empty plastic bottle and a pair of flip-flops at the person’s head. The third suspect is said to have fired two fireworks toward the individual, which detonated near them. The trio then fled the scene. The non-binary person sustained no injuries.
The ongoing investigations have been taken over by the Police’s State Protection unit within the State Criminal Police Office, since this is considered a crime potentially motivated by queer-hostility. In line with standard initial reporting, the police did not release further details about the suspects’ identities.
Berlin regularly reports anti-LGBTI violence, as the regional police actively publicize hate crimes tied to sexual orientation or gender identity, leading to a higher level of public visibility. The police and public prosecutors in the capital have dedicated points of contact for queer residents. (pm)
