Women allegedly given date rape drugs at German Chancellor’s annual Social Democrat Party convention

The Associated Press reports that police in Berlin started investigating after a 21-year-old woman came forward to say that she "felt dizzy and unwell several hours into Wednesday’s summer party for the Social Democrats and then was unable to remember the evening the following day."

Germany’s international broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW) reports that by Sunday, at least eight other women have come forward with similar accounts.

The initial woman told police that she ate and drank but didn't consume any alcohol at the party. She then went to the hospital and received a blood test and by Saturday four other women had come forward and received blood tests as well.

German media reported that they were given "knockout drops," a German date rape street drug that works like Rohypnol.

Police are currently investigating to find persons unknown for "suspicion of bodily harm" and suspect that the drug was mixed with the victims drinks or food.

A senior SPD official, Mathias Martin, spoke on the incident stating, "This is an outrageous turn of events, which on our side was immediately reported to parliamentary police."

The SPD's annual summer party is invite-only and heavily attended by lawmakers, including Members of Parliament. Approximately 1,000 people attended this year's event. The SPD party took place during German federal parliament's last week in session, before they take their summer break.

Olaf Scholz previously served as Vice Chancellor under Angela Merkel until taking the leadership role in December 2021. Scholz made international news, along with Merkel, in December 2021 after the two announced strict lockdowns on those unvaccinated in their country against COVID-19.