Left Party in Hesse: allegations of sexual assault

Created: 04/15/2022, 18:12

A woman stands by a window in her apartment.

© Fabian Sommer/dpa

According to reports in the “Spiegel”, there have been sexual assaults on the left in Hesse for years.

It's about crossing borders, abuse of power and a toxic macho culture.

Wiesbaden – The Left Party in Hesse is said to have been sexually assaulted for years.

According to a report by the news magazine “Der Spiegel”, according to which there have been cases of sexualized violence over the years, the executive state board said on Friday: “We take the allegations made very seriously and have been aware of them since the end of November 2021 have begun to work through this at all levels.” The party committee was shocked by the current reporting.

Crossing borders, abuse of power, macho culture

There are documents such as chat histories, photos or e-mails as well as affidavits from those affected with references to "suspected border crossings, abuse of power and a toxic macho culture," reported "Der Spiegel" after discussions with ten women and men.

"An influential member of the Wiesbaden Left Party" in the Hessian state parliament took photos and videos of an underage woman in sexual poses.

She later reported the politician for coercion and insult.

At the time of the incidents, the current federal chairwoman, Janine Wissler, was the leader of the Left Party in Hesse.

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"Sexualized violence and sexism must have no place in our party," said a statement from the state executive.

The allegation of perpetrator protection is rejected.

Those affected were offered talks and “a comprehensive code of conduct” was decided.

The Wiesbaden district association is organizing a workshop on the subject of “Sexism Sensitization”.

The appointment of one or more persons of trust is planned for the next meeting of the state board on April 30.

dpa