German authorities are facing mounting international pressure after disturbing footage emerged showing the violent arrest of an Australian backpacker in Bavaria, leaving the 21-year-old woman with significant injuries and sparking diplomatic concerns.
Shocking Incident Captured on Camera
The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday morning in a hostel in Schwaben, northern Bavaria, where police were responding to reports of a woman allegedly causing a disturbance. What followed has been described as a disproportionate use of force that has left the Australian national with a broken bone and multiple bruises.
Video evidence obtained by The Independent shows officers pinning the woman to the ground while she repeatedly screams in pain and pleads for them to stop. Witnesses reported hearing her cries of "I can't breathe" as the altercation continued.
International Outrage Grows
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has confirmed they are providing consular assistance to the young woman and have raised the matter with German authorities. "We are deeply concerned by the reports and are seeking clarification from German officials," a spokesperson stated.
Human rights organisations have condemned the police actions, with Amnesty International describing the footage as "deeply alarming" and calling for a transparent investigation into whether excessive force was used.
Police Response and Investigation
Bavarian police have defended their officers' actions, claiming the woman was resisting arrest and behaving aggressively. However, they have confirmed that an internal investigation has been launched to examine the circumstances surrounding the arrest.
The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is currently recovering from her injuries and is being supported by Australian consular officials. Her family has expressed shock at the treatment she received and is calling for accountability from German authorities.
This incident comes amid ongoing scrutiny of police conduct in Germany and has raised questions about the treatment of foreign nationals in the country, particularly young travellers.
