Quick access: 32-year-old arrested after attacking student!

Quick access: 32-year-old arrested after attacking student!

A shocking incident occurred on Friday, May 30, 2025, on Elisenstrasse in Munich. A 13-year-old student was sexually harassed by a 32-year-old man. The perpetrator, an Eritrean with no permanent residence in Germany, attacked the student above her clothing and in the chest. The brave resistance of the girl, who slapped the attacker's hand away, prevented anything worse from happening. Immediately after the crime, the classmate and the teacher called the emergency number, which initiated rapid searches by the police. These led to the arrest of the suspect, who was identified through video surveillance in the Old Botanical Garden, around an hour after the attack. On Saturday, May 31, 2025, an arrest warrant was issued by an investigating judge and the suspect was transferred to the Munich Police Headquarters detention center. The investigation is being led by Commissariat 17, as reported by Nachrichten München.

The serious issue of sexual harassment is not only evident in individual cases, but is a widespread problem. In many areas of society, such as schools, daycare centers or in the workplace, sexual assault and harassment are commonplace. Despite all efforts, no guarantee can be given for the safety of employees. Perpetrators often choose positions of trust and dependency that allow them to present themselves as sympathetic and helpful, making it difficult for outsiders to suspect wrongdoing. As the city of Munich emphasizes in a communication, institutions without clear concepts for dealing with suspected cases are particularly at risk.

The context of sexual harassment

Sexual harassment alone includes numerous forms, ranging from appraising looks to obscene jokes to physical assault. It ranges from “accidental” touching to targeted attacks, as happened in this case. These acts can happen anywhere – in public spaces, in schools, at work or even in your own home. Girls and women are particularly affected, and the focus here is on the discomfort of those affected. The organization Women Against Violence explains that many forms of sexual harassment are often perceived as “normal” or “typically male”. However, women and girls have the right to set their boundaries and be respected.

In order to counteract this problem, the city of Munich has set up a professional complaints office that deals with suspected cases and offers specialist advice. Cooperation with the police and public prosecutor's office as well as the development of preventative measures are crucial steps to make it more difficult for perpetrators. Citizens and their children should be able to rely on their safety, which is essential, especially in view of recent events.