Dr. Orly Innes
Blurred-out photo of Orly Innes as published in recent days
Photo: Amit Magal
Complainant against senior policeman reveals identity
Dr. Orly Innes, who says police Major-General Uri Bar-Lev sexually assaulted her, ends publication ban on her own by delivering speech at Tel Aviv rally
After long days of rumors and smearing, the complainant against police Major-General Uri Bar-Lev exposes herself: Dr. Orly Innes, a senior Interior Ministry employee, delivered a speech Thursday before hundreds of people outside the Tel Aviv Museum.
Innes, who in recent days had only been identified by her first initial in the media, told the audience she is giving up her privacy. "I'm not hiding and I'm not ashamed; I did nothing wrong," she said at the rally, which followed a march by 250 people protesting violence against women.
"With unprecedented vigor, many people are preoccupied with an effort to smear my personality, my credibility, my lifestyle and my intentions," Innes said. "Over the last weeks I've been portrayed by various elements as a serial complainant, a libelous woman, and a manipulator who interfers in the appointment of the next Israel Police chief."
Participants at the rally applauded Innes and cheered her on throughout her speech, while carrying signs reading "Put an end to violence" and "It can happen to anyone."
Innes has come forward recently to claim that about two years ago, Major-General Bar-Lev sexually assaulted her in the southern town of Eilat. The senior police officer, considered one of the top candidates for the post of Israel's next police commissioner, tried to force himself upon her, overpowered her, and attempted to hug her, she told police investigators.
Bar-Lev has denied the charges, saying the incident was merely a misunderstanding. Following Innes' initial complaint, another complainant has stepped forward, claiming that Bar-Lev raped her in a Herzliya hotel room some five years ago. Bar-Lev said he indeed engaged in sexual relations with the second complainant, but claimed that the intercourse was consensual.
