Several thousand people in Cologne protested against sexualised violence under the motto 'Against patriarchal violence'. The demonstration started at Rudolfplatz and proceeded along the Ring to Chlodwigplatz. Organisers are calling for better protection for victims and stronger prevention measures.
The gathering in Cologne took place amid a debate on violence against women, triggered by allegations from actress Collien Fernandes against her ex-partner Christian Ulmen. According to a DER SPIEGEL report, Ulmen created fake profiles of Fernandes on social media to contact hundreds of men. He allegedly impersonated her, engaged in sexual conversations, and sent erotic images and videos intended to appear authentic.
Ulmen is presumed innocent. His lawyers rejected the claims and stated in a press release on Friday: 'Christian Ulmen [has] at no time produced and/or distributed deepfake videos of Ms Fernandes or other persons.' They also addressed an alleged incident in Palma de Mallorca in January 2023, denying any unilateral acts of violence by Ulmen. Fernandes contradicted this account on Instagram.
Similar protests have occurred recently in other cities, including Hamburg, where Fernandes participated. Cologne police confirmed the demonstration proceeded peacefully.
