Advertisement

Sex

Prosecutors investigate elite sports school sex assault claims

Author thumbnail
Prosecutors investigate elite sports school sex assault claims
Photo: DPA

Prosecutors are investigating claims that two 16-year-olds sexually attacked classmates at an elite sports school in northern Germany which trains the country's top young athletes.

Advertisement

The Potsdam Elite Sports School has produced at least 124 Olympic medal winners since 1953, according to the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB).

Prosecutors allege the 16-year-old boys are suspected of sneaking into the rooms of two 13 and 14-year-old boys one night in September and sexually attacking them. One of the victims claims he was assaulted with a broom handle, although the attackers say they only made such threats.

So far, said Stephan Breiding, a spokesman for Brandenburg’s Ministry of Education, there is only evidence of one assault. But allegations of bullying at the school have also recently been made public.

The two suspects have been temporarily excluded from the school while the investigation continues.

Breiding also confirmed reports that although the victims reported the incident to school employees, the allegations were not immediately passed onto the authorities.

“Crisis communication did not work,” Breiding said, adding that this may have consequences for the staff concerned.

A teacher and a trainer who were told of the allegations but did not immediately respond, have been suspended while the investigation is conducted.

Jana Magdowski, who oversees sporting activities for the city said she was deeply shocked and found it “incomprehensible” that the victims may not have received help from the school.

The Local/DAPD/mdm

More

Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.

Please log in to leave a comment.

See Also