Hate attack in Bremen: man brutally attacked because of sexual orientation

Hate attack in Bremen: man brutally attacked because of sexual orientation

On Saturday evening there was a frightening incident in Bremen city center that set alarm bells ringing. A 27-year-old was apparently attacked by a group of five people because of his sexual orientation. Loud NDR The incident occurred around 7:20 p.m. on Obernstrasse when the victim was standing in front of a supermarket with his partner. Clear homophobic aggression was revealed when a man in the group shouted abusive words several times before the situation escalated.

After the initial incident, the couple entered the supermarket, but the group still followed and harassed them. The moment the 27-year-old announced that he would call the police, two attackers kicked him in the leg and hit him in the head. The violent confrontation ended with the attackers fleeing. This shocking situation is not an isolated incident, but part of a larger trend that has become apparent recently.

A worrying trend

The increase in hate crime is a serious problem that particularly affects LGBTIQ* people. This violence is often triggered by the visibility of LGBTIQ* identities and significantly restricts the freedom of those affected. The Lesbian and Gay Association Germany explains that such acts unsettle an entire group and threaten human rights. The increasing numbers are alarming: In 2023, 1,785 crimes against LGBTIQ* people were recorded in Germany, which represents a huge increase compared to 2022, when there were only 1,188 cases, according to a report by Federal Criminal Police Office proven.

The most common acts are insults and acts of violence, and the number of unreported cases is also alarmingly high. It is estimated that 80-90% of those affected do not report such crimes, often out of shame or fear of further discrimination. Studies show that 96% of LGBTIQ* people do not report hate speech and 87% do not report physical attacks.

The search for the perpetrators

In the specific case in Bremen, the police are asking for information from the public. The two suspected attackers are said to be 17 to 20 years old, around 1.80 meters tall and have striking appearances: the first has blonde curls and was wearing a checked shirt, the second has dark hair and a mustache. Residents and passers-by in the area are urged to come forward to identify the perpetrators.

This incident is not just an isolated incident, but reflects a worrying reality that cannot be ignored in our society. The security situation for LGBTIQ* people urgently needs to be improved. The existing measures to combat hate crime must be pursued more intensively and awareness among the population must be raised in order to enable everyone to live a safe life.

In light of current events, it is more important than ever to stand up for the rights of everyone and to hear the voices of those affected.