Five young men from Majd al-Krum, an Israeli Arab town, are facing trial in Cyprus after being charged with the alleged gang rape of a British holidaymaker in September. The incident occurred following a pool party at the woman's three-star hotel in Ayia Napa. The charges include rape, sexual assault, sexual intercourse through violence, indecent assault, sexual harassment, and abduction.
The trial took place in Famagusta, with a courtroom filled with the defendants' relatives expressing their support. The accused, aged 19 to 20, denied all charges and remained composed throughout the proceedings. However, emotions ran high as the hearing concluded, with the defendants receiving hugs from their families.
This case draws disturbing parallels with a similar incident in 2019, in which another British tourist alleged she was gang-raped by Israeli men. The alleged victim in this case reportedly displayed injuries consistent with an assault, as revealed in a leaked report. Her statement described the harrowing details of the assault.
Witnesses who observed the aftermath of the alleged attack, including the victim's escape by climbing from a second-floor window, are expected to testify. Forensic evidence also revealed traces of blood in the hotel room where the attack occurred.
The victim's lawyer, Michael Polak of Justice Abroad, expressed hope for a just resolution. Defense lawyers, on the other hand, raised concerns about the investigation's integrity and the availability of key evidence.
Former Cypriot MP Skevi Koukouma, along with members of the women's group association known as Pogo, attended the hearing to show support for the victim.
In a recent development, the woman who suffered a sexual assault in 2019 offered her support to the current victim, emphasizing the importance of believing and supporting victims. She had previously faced false accusations and imprisonment in a separate case, which was eventually overturned by the Cyprus Supreme Court.
The five defendants will remain in custody until the next hearing scheduled for October 16.
In another development in Philadelphia, three police officers got shot on Wednesday evening, and a suspect ended up dead, as reported. See detailed story here
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