Two Syrian men and an Iraqi man accused of gang-raping an 18-year-old woman in Germany have been granted bail, sparking public outcry. The suspects, aged 18 to 21, were released after a judge ruled there was no flight risk. They must report to police regularly, live with their parents, and avoid contact with the alleged victim.
The alleged attack occurred on Saturday in Leer, Lower Saxony, on a housing estate where several refugee families reside. Police say the suspects lured the woman to an apartment building, where they beat and raped her multiple times. The victim did not know her attackers, and the assault is described as a 'spontaneous act'.
If convicted of 'serious' rape, the men face two to 15 years in prison. Police have withheld further details to protect the victim, who is reportedly struggling mentally and physically. The case echoes a 2018 gang rape in Freiburg, where eight Syrian refugees and others were jailed, fueling debate over Germany's refugee policies.
