Officers say evidence from Eilat resort investigation backs victim’s testimony; prosecutors expected to file charges against suspects next week, 14 of whom already under arrest, and 10 are minors
Police announced on Thursday they have managed to identify all 17 suspects in the alleged gang rape of a 16-year-old girl in an Eilat hotel earlier in August.
Prosecutors are expected to file charges against the suspects next week, 14 of whom are already under arrest. Ten of the suspects are minors.
Police officials also said that the evidence uncovered during the investigation supports the victim’s testimony.
Police have also brought in the manager of the Red Sea Hotel – where the alleged attack took place – for questioning on suspicion of failing to report a crime and interfering with a police investigation.
Earlier Thursday, a key suspect in the case denied any wrongdoing, while police claimed he admitted to filming the assault.
Ahead of a court session on the case, the man – a resident of Hadera in his 20s – told reporters he attempted to help the victim and never assaulted her.
However, a police spokesperson told the court the man admitted to filming what happened inside the hotel room.
The harrowing case has sent shock waves of outrage through Israeli society, with citizens taking to the streets in protest, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu branding the deed “a crime against humanity itself.”
As reported by Ynetnews