18 Cologne attack suspects ID'd as asylum-seekers; police chief fired

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http://www.cnn.com/2016/01/08/europe/europe-new-year-alleged-violence/

Berlin (CNN)German authorities have identified 31 people, including 18 asylum-seekers, as suspects in mob sex attacks and muggings in Cologne on New Year's Eve -- one of several such incidents in Europe.

In Cologne, where most of the attacks took place, a police spokesman confirmed Chief Wolfgang Albers was fired Friday. Albers' dismissal comes amid criticism of his department's handling of the violence.

One victim of the Cologne violence told CNN there were too few police on the streets to prevent attacks.

"We ran to the police. But we saw the police were so understaffed," the victim said. "They couldn't take care of us and we as women suffered the price."