German Island Tradition Faces Scrutiny Over Alleged Violence Against Women

Borkum's 'Klaasohm' festival sparks national backlash, prompting police intervention and pledges for reform.

The 'Klaasohm' tradition on Borkum, involving masked men and symbolic rituals, has been criticized for incidents of alleged violence against women.
A recent TV investigation revealed footage of women being struck with cow horns during the festival, leading to widespread public outrage.
Police have announced a zero-tolerance policy for violence at this year’s event and are encouraging victims to report past incidents, which may still be prosecutable under long statutes of limitations.
Festival organizers have pledged to eliminate violent practices from the tradition and increase transparency, while also criticizing media coverage as biased.
The controversy has led to canceled tourist bookings on the island and calls from local and state officials for an open dialogue on modernizing the tradition.