In a shocking incident that has sparked outrage, a 30-year-old Iranian dissident was brutally gang-raped by four men in Germany, believed to be loyalists of Iran’s Islamic Republic. The assault took place on Saturday night at an abandoned brewery in Iserlohn, a town in North Rhine-Westphalia. According to reports from Der Spiegel and other German media outlets, the crime is being treated as politically motivated.
The attackers, aged between 24 and 46, were swiftly arrested by local law enforcement shortly after the incident. The police, who had deployed helicopters and multiple patrol units, conducted a rapid search of a nearby forest where one of the suspects was injured while attempting to flee. Witnesses had alerted authorities after hearing the victim’s screams, which led to the discovery of the man in a severely abused condition, tied up and in urgent need of medical attention.
German investigators have confirmed that the attack was not only vicious but carried a specific political message. The victim, an Iranian refugee well-known for his opposition to Tehran’s regime, was allegedly targeted with the intent of “sexual humiliation.” This incident underscores the growing dangers faced by Iranian dissidents, even on foreign soil.
The attackers are reportedly staunch supporters of Iran’s Islamic Republic, raising concerns about the reach of Tehran’s influence beyond its borders. This assault is part of a disturbing trend of Iranian dissidents being targeted abroad. Earlier this year, an Iranian dissident in the Netherlands narrowly escaped an assassination attempt, while other incidents include the stabbing of Iran International presenter Pouria Zeraati in London and threats against Iranian journalists in the UK.
The incident has drawn attention to the ongoing threats faced by those who speak out against the Iranian regime, with calls for greater protection for dissidents living in exile. German authorities are continuing their investigation into the attack, with the involvement of political motivations being a key focus.