Story By: Kathryn Quinn, Sub-Editor:  Joseph Golder, Agency: Central European News 

The mayor of a German city has backpedalled after he appeared to blame a 14-year-old rape victim and her parents for the attack.

The girl told cops that she was raped on Halloween night in the Alb-Donau-Kreis district in the province of Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany, by five men.

According to reports, the girl met the men, one of whom she knew, in Ulm, a city in the south German state of Baden-Wuerttemberg and accompanied the men after reportedly drinking alcohol.

According to local media, the young woman was taken to a farmhouse around 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) outside of Ulm, where she told her parents and the police that she was raped by the men.

Police believe the young girl was then allegedly drugged and raped by the men.

A police spokesman said: “We suspect the girl was given drugs to make her more compliant.”

The mayor of Ulm, Gunter Czisch, caused outrage when he appeared to suggest the girl was to blame for the attack.

He said: “I do wonder what a 14-year-old girl is doing that late at night wandering the streets of Ulm. Parents have the responsibility to make sure minors are not wandering alone at night.”

His comments caused outrage and he has since claimed that they were misinterpreted: “I regret that my initial comments were misinterpreted.

“Of course, the girl is in no way to blame. The blame lies entirely with the perpetrators. I have no doubt that the police and prosecutors will investigate and punish accordingly. Such a crime is terrible and unbelievable. I would like to extend my sympathies to the victim and her family. I wish them strength and all the help they need to come to terms with this incident.”

Social media users showed their outrage and called for his resignation.

‘Melanie Seifert’ said: “You should resign. Your politics is a reason for so many victims of late.”

‘Dirk Amos’ said: “You should resign and quickly.”

‘Andrea Valentina Gebor’ said: “I have lost all respect for you. Show your backbone and resign. Just terrible.”

One of the men arrested is Mukhtiyar N., 26, (pictured) from Afghanistan and the attack is alleged to have taken place at the farmhouse he lived in.

Another man who lives at the farmhouse told local media: “He had completed an integration course. He was often in shisha bars with friends and often brings them to his apartment. They are often badly behaved.”

Three of the suspects aged 15, 16 and 26, are being held in custody and another two aged 14 and 24 were arrested and later released.

The arrested men were from Iraq, Afghanistan and Iran although the nationalities of the men still in custody are unclear.

The girl was taken to a doctor for checks and also forensic scientists, so they could collect evidence.

Prosecutor Michael Bischofberger said: “Three of the men have been remanded in custody due to suspicions which are being investigated.”

Police have released no further information to date.

The ViralTab page is created by and dedicated to professional, independent freelance journalists. It is a place for us to showcase our work. When our news is sold to our media partners, we will include the link here.