Cologne: A journalist working with RTBF Television Network was groped and abused by men while she reporting live. The journalist was in the city for covering live updates on the Cologne carnival that takes place every year.
According to a report in the Daily Mail, Esmeralda Labye, the Belgian journalist was groped by three men amid tight security. More than 2000 police officials had been deployed in the city following the multiple sexual assaults on women during the New Year's eve.
Though the New Year's assaults on women were blamed on migrants of North African and Arab origin, the attack on Labye was carried out by Germans.
Labye was unaware of the men standing behind her and making obscene gestures as she reported live from the carnival. The incident took place in the Alter Market district of Cologne as she went on air for Radio Télévision Belge de la Communauté Française.
In an interview with MailOnline, Labye said that most of men in the carnival were drunk. Even someone who has flu could smell the alcoholic fumes around the place.
'While reporting live, I got a kiss on the back of the neck,' said Labye. Since it was Women's Day in Cologne, Labye did not bother much and continued with the report.
Soon after, a young man whispered in my ears, 'Would you like to sleep with me tonight,' said Labye adding 'I could feel two hands rest on my shoulders.'
Later when Labye saw the footage, she realised that the men standing behind her made obscene gestures. The men were mimicking sexual intercourse, even though there were a lot of police officials around.
The broadcast lasted for about 90 seconds, after which Labye had to wait for a couple of seconds to allow those in the Television office's studio to thank her, before she went off air.
'That was the time when I could feel one of the men touching my breasts,' revealed Labye.
"I lost my temper. knowing that I was not live, I angrily turned back and told them: You did that twice, not once! Don’t touch me, don’t touch me." Although the men were too drunk to understand why Labye was angry, they quietly left the place, added Labye.
Police officials said that nothing serious happened during the day. Labye told him that she was assaulted and had sufficient evidence to file a criminal complaint.
The police are investigating the matter and are on the lookout for the men. About 22 sexual abuse complaints were filed on the first day of the carnival. Cologne has long been in the news for sex assaults on women during the New Year's eve, followed by the resignation of police chief.
Watch the video here:
