In early February, a trial began at the District Court in Düsseldorf concerning two Syrians accused of raping a young woman. One of the defendants controversially stated that he felt 'ashamed' in court as he was being interpreted by a woman, highlighting potential cultural and personal tensions surrounding gender roles within the legal process. The incident under trial took place during a typical Saturday night in the historic center of Düsseldorf, where the victim momentarily separated from her friends in an intoxicated state, which led to the tragic events that unfolded.

The prosecution alleges that the woman was taken to a parked car by three men, who then proceeded to rape her on the vehicle’s hood. The two main accused, a 33-year-old named Saad A. and a 40-year-old named Ahmed A., both of Syrian descent, are facing serious charges. A third suspect remains at large. The severity of the allegations includes claims that the woman was so intoxicated that she could barely respond or defend herself against the assault, as one of the men raped her while the others kept watch for any witnesses in the vicinity, as reported by the newspaper Bild.

Fortunately, two passersby noted the suspicious behavior of the men during the incident. Initially, Ahmed A. allegedly tried to convince the witnesses that he knew the woman, trying to deflect any suspicion from the actions taking place. This case not only raises questions of individual accountability and the severity of sexual violence but also delves into the cultural challenges faced within the legal system regarding language interpretation and gender dynamics, which could impact the proceedings and the perception of justice in such cases.