They are no older than 15 years, but last summer they are said to have repeatedly punched and kicked, filmed the acts and thus made headlines in Heilbronn in Baden-Württemberg.

The group of at least ten and up to 30 violent girls became known as the “girls gang”. The trial against three suspected female thugs was scheduled to begin today (1:30 p.m.) in the district court. The public prosecutor’s office accuses them of causing grievous bodily harm and damaging property.

Behind closed doors

The youth jury wanted to meet behind closed doors because the girls are so young. Nothing should be made public about the course of the negotiation. Many others in the group are or were under 14 and are therefore criminally responsible.

According to police, the gang is said to have consisted of up to 30 young people and teenagers and was responsible for at least 23 physical injuries in July and August. A large part of the acts were filmed with cell phones.

The approach to the fights was always similar. The girls are said to have approached other young people – especially young women – in different configurations and accused them of having contact with the boyfriend of one of the suspects. According to the police, this was always a baseless accusation, but it was the trigger for insults, punches and kicks.