The trial of five Israeli nationals accused of sexually assaulting a 20-year-old British woman in a hotel room in Ayia Napa started today. The defendants appeared before the Famagusta Criminal Court, where they were required to enter pleas in response to the charges they are facing, including rape, sexual assault, forced sexual intercourse, coercion into sexual acts, sexual harassment, and abduction.
The defence attorney representing three of the accused, Maria Neophytou, requested additional time for her clients to prepare their responses. Consequently, the trial has been rescheduled for October 16. Neophytou also noted that crucial evidence, such as DNA results, photographic material, and the deposition of a sixth Israeli initially apprehended and later released, had not yet been provided. She asserted her intent to file a preliminary objection.
On the other hand, the attorney representing the remaining two accused, Paris Loizou, initially raised an objection to their detention, which was later withdrawn following assurances from the Prosecution Authority’s representative that the DNA results would be provided.
This case has garnered significant international media attention. The 20-year-old British woman reported being sexually assaulted by a group of Israelis on the afternoon of September 3, when one of them forcibly transported her to their hotel room.
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