A woman attacked in Luxembourg City centre just over a week ago has since left hospital, while further details have emerged about the man suspected of carrying out the assault.
The 40-year-old suspect is a Polish national with no fixed address, the judicial authorities confirmed to RTL on Monday, corroborating reports in other media. It is not known how long he has been in Luxembourg.
The attack took place at around 2am on Grand-Rue during the night from Sunday to Monday just over a week ago. The judicial authorities described the circumstances as particularly serious in a statement issued on Friday.
The investigation concerns suspected attempted murder, assault and battery, rape, violation of sexual integrity, and robbery with violence.
According to initial findings, the woman managed to break free during the attack and fled. She reportedly encountered several passers-by but did not receive help before eventually coming across a police patrol.
Officers subsequently located the suspect and found items at the scene believed to belong to the victim. He was brought before an investigating judge and remanded in custody.
Under Luxembourg law, rape is defined as non-consensual sexual penetration, including in cases where a victim is coerced, threatened, or otherwise unable to resist.
Rape is punishable by between five and 30 years in prison, with penalties potentially increased depending on aggravating circumstances.
Failing to help someone who is in serious danger can also constitute a criminal offence.
Under Luxembourg's Criminal Code, failure to assist a person in danger is punishable by between eight days and five years in prison and a fine ranging from €251 to €10,000.
Where someone is facing serious danger, bystanders are required to provide assistance unless doing so would expose them to a serious risk themselves. In some circumstances, simply contacting the emergency services may be sufficient.
According to the police annual report, 128 rapes were recorded in Luxembourg last year, more than three times the number reported 20 years ago.
The increase remains visible even when population growth is taken into account, although greater public awareness may also have contributed to more victims reporting such offences.
Where possible, women reporting rape or attempted rape are assisted by a female police officer. Police also advise victims not to wash themselves after an assault in order to preserve potential evidence, and to keep clothing in a paper bag.
