Afət Ziyadqızı
Authorities in the German city of Cologne have seized a red-and-gold robot suspected of sexual misconduct and indecent behavior toward a 16-year-old girl.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the incident took place near a fast-food restaurant in the city center. According to reports, the 120-centimeter robot approached the girl from behind and made inappropriate physical contact. Police were notified immediately after the girl screamed and moved away from the area.
According to an official statement issued by North Rhine-Westphalia Police, the robot’s 16-year-old owner and his 19-year-old friend broadcast the incident live on social media.
Officers called to the scene detained the suspects on a nearby street shortly afterward. The robot was found in the trunk of a car belonging to the suspects and seized during the operation.
Images released by the police department show the robot wearing a black mustache, a gold chain and a white vest. Two mobile phones belonging to the suspects were also taken as evidence. Law enforcement authorities have ordered a comprehensive forensic examination to determine whether the robot’s movements were deliberately directed remotely, using a controller or software.
North Rhine-Westphalia Police issued a further statement on its Facebook page, warning that insulting and indecent comments about the incident posted on social media could carry legal consequences.
