Investigation in Germany: Robot with a chain and tank top sexually harassed a 16-year-old girl, youths broadcast live
Cologne police are investigating an unusual incident: a 16-year-old boy and his 19-year-old friend controlled a robot dressed in a tank top and sweatpants, which touched the buttocks of a 16-year-old girl and performed sexual pelvic movements. The two broadcast the harassment live online. The robot and phones were confiscated, the youths are suspected of sexual harassment and face up to two years in prison.
Cologne police in Germany have launched an investigation on suspicion of sexual harassment, after a 16-year-old boy and his 19-year-old friend controlled a robot dressed in a white tank top, black sweatpants, a gold chain, and sunglasses, which touched the buttocks of a 16-year-old girl. The incident occurred on the night between Saturday and Sunday in the city of Cologne, near a fast-food restaurant. The robot, about 120 cm tall, performed sexual pelvic movements toward the girl, while the two broadcast the harassment live online, accompanied by real-time "commentary." Police were called to the scene and found the robot in the trunk of a Volkswagen. The robot and phones were confiscated. Police spokesman Christoph Bramel said that no charges have been filed yet, but the two are suspected of sexual harassment, an offense punishable by up to two years in prison. Investigators are checking whether the robot's movements were pre-programmed or controlled in real time. The police noted they had never encountered such an incident. On the police Facebook page, criticism was leveled at inappropriate reactions and warnings were issued against sharing the incident.