A senior Left Party politician in Berlin is now under criminal investigation over a widening rape cover-up scandal that has already rocked the capital.
Prosecutors have opened proceedings against Sarah Nagel, Neukölln’s youth councillor, on suspicion of obstruction of justice.
The probe follows earlier revelations that a state-run youth club in the district failed to report the gang rape of a 16-year-old girl—reportedly out of concern about “stigmatizing migrants.”
The assault took place in December 2025 but only came to light in February, when the victim’s father contacted police directly.
Since then, the scandal has deepened. A second rape case linked to the same facility has emerged, while reports indicate that at least one suspect was allowed to continue attending the club for months after the initial attack.
Berlin’s youth senator, Katharina Günther-Wünsch, issued a sharp rebuke in the city parliament, accusing Neukölln officials of failing victims while shielding perpetrators.
“It is not enough to express concern,” she said, calling for “clear and tangible consequences.”
Her criticism also targeted district mayor Martin Hikel, whom she accused of remaining silent as the scandal unfolded.
Despite mounting political pressure, Nagel has so far refused to step down and has yet to respond to a catalogue of official questions sent to her office.
A motion to remove her from post failed to reach the district assembly agenda and cannot be reconsidered until April.
The case has intensified scrutiny of how authorities handle serious crimes involving migrant suspects—and whether political sensitivities are interfering with justice.
