Berlin police have opened an investigation into an allegation of sexual assault at Berghain, the town’s world-renowned nightclub, after an attendee reported being raped throughout a late-night occasion earlier this month.
The incident allegedly occurred on Sunday, March 2nd, throughout one among Berghain’s famed “Klubnacht” events, in keeping with reporting by Berliner Zeitung. The assault is alleged to have taken place within the restrooms of Panorama Bar, one of many membership’s two primary dancefloors.
The case got here to public consideration final week after posts surfaced in an internet Reddit discussion board devoted to Berghain’s tight-knit neighborhood of digital music fans. Within the posts, customers circulated particulars of the alleged incident and reported that police had been contacted.
Berlin police have since confirmed that the matter is underneath energetic investigation.
“I can confirm that a specialist department for sexual offenses within the State Criminal Police Office is conducting an investigation into a matter that matches your inquiry,” a police spokesperson instructed Berliner Zeitung. Authorities declined to launch additional particulars, citing Germany’s strict privateness and information safety legal guidelines.
Berghain, housed in a former energy plant in Berlin’s Friedrichshain district, has lengthy been celebrated for its nonconformist ethos and marathon dance events. The venue can also be recognized for sustaining a notoriously selective door coverage and for fostering a tradition the place private freedom is fiercely protected.
Lately, as Berlin’s storied membership scene has confronted an unsure future, the town has confronted rising scrutiny over security in golf equipment and public areas. The most recent allegation has prompted calls amongst some nightlife advocates for extra strong measures to guard attendees.
The investigation into the incident at Berghain stays ongoing.