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German law enforcement has opened an investigation into allegations that a 16-year-old and 19-year-old used a robot to sexually assault a teenage girl in the western city of Cologne, according to reporting from AFP. The incident occurred late Saturday when the victim, also 16 years old, was with friends when a 1.2-metre red and gold humanoid robot allegedly approached and touched her inappropriately while performing thrusting motions.
The suspects are accused of filming the alleged assault and broadcasting it live on social media platforms, with commentary, according to a Cologne police statement cited by AFP. Video footage circulating on TikTok appears to show the robot pressing against a teenage girl who can be seen screaming and moving away from the device.
Police responded after being alerted to the incident and discovered the robot hidden in a car boot belonging to the suspected owner. Authorities seized the robot as well as two mobile phones from the suspects as part of their investigation. The case raises questions about the misuse of robotic technology and the role of social media in facilitating and amplifying harmful behaviour.
The incident occurred in Cologne, Germany’s fourth-largest city, located in the western part of the country along the Rhine River. Germany has been grappling with various challenges related to youth behaviour and social media’s influence on young people.
Sources and attribution
- Jamaica Observer
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