Police say 17 suspects identified in gang rape of 16-year-old

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

Matan Tzuri|
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.
  • Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter


  • Prosecutors are expected to file charges against the suspects next week, 14 of whom are already under arrest. Ten of the suspects are minors.
    2 View gallery
    הארכת מעצר לחשודים באונס הקבוצתי באילת
    הארכת מעצר לחשודים באונס הקבוצתי באילת
    The Red Sea Hotel - the scene of the alleged attack, one of the suspects in court
    (Photo: Haim David, Barel Efraim)
    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.
    2 View gallery
    מחאה עקב אונס הקטינה בת ה16 באילת
    מחאה עקב אונס הקטינה בת ה16 באילת
    Demonstrators protesting the alleged gang rape in Tel Aviv
    (Photo: Gil Nahoshtan)
    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.”
    Comments
    The commenter agrees to the privacy policy of Ynet News and agrees not to submit comments that violate the terms of use, including incitement, libel and expressions that exceed the accepted norms of freedom of speech.
    ""