New Year’s Eve across Germany was marred by violence, highlighted by an incident involving a female livestreamer who was assaulted during a broadcast in a multicultural area of Cologne.
Just before midnight, Cologne Twitch streamer Kunsikitti, boasting nearly 250,000 followers, began her livestream in a striking pink outfit. While navigating through a crowd predominantly made up of foreign men, she was suddenly struck in the head by an unknown object.
“Oh my god, I hit something. I got hit in the head with something,” she reacted afterward, as reported.
A few moments later, she faced another attack when a firecracker-like object was thrown at her. In response, she noted, “I doubt they would have done that if I were a 2-meter-tall bouncer.” She mentioned plans to file a police report.
The incident is reminiscent of the 2015 New Year’s Eve assaults where over a thousand women experienced sexual violence across Germany, with many cases occurring in Cologne.
This recent attack was downplayed in local media but later gained worldwide attention thanks to reports, which indicated a man of North African descent was involved. Despite the recognition, only 39 convictions were secured, and various commentators began attributing the violence to “masculinity” rather than the rapid immigration policies that preceded the incidents.
The livestreamer’s assault occurred in the context of significant unrest both in Germany and throughout Europe on New Year’s Eve.
As noted by broadcaster NTV, firefighters, paramedics, and police faced attacks nationwide, with many being targeted by fireworks and makeshift projectiles.
Andreas Rothkopf, head of the GDP police union, reported hundreds of arrests made that night, expressing hope for a swift and consistent legal response. “Our colleagues risking their lives are depending on this. It’s more than just banning fireworks; it’s a serious threat to the rule of law,” he remarked.
Tragically, several lives were lost due to incidents linked to fireworks. An 88-year-old woman died when a fire ignited on her balcony in Wurzburg, and two 18-year-olds in Bielefeld suffered fatal facial injuries from homemade fireworks.
Violence also erupted in other European nations, notably in the Netherlands, where authorities arrested at least 250 individuals. In Utrecht, police encountered intense fireworks being fired at them and faced near-constant attacks from a group of young people. Local authorities resorted to using water cannons to manage the situation.
Nain Kouijman, president of the Dutch police union, described New Year’s Eve events as marked by “an unprecedented level of violence against police and emergency services.” Kouijman also mentioned experiencing personal assaults during the chaotic night.
