2 accused of raping American in TA hotel released

Tel Aviv Dsitrict Court released the two young Haifa residents accused of the rape and sodomy of an American in a hotel in Tel Aviv two months ago to house arrest .

The judge ruled that the two would be sent to house arrest following the suggestions of probation officers that they be released. Prosecutors did not oppose the move, even though in most instances of sexual offenses, the state requests detention until the end of legal proceedings. (Naama Cohen-Friedman)