30 Adult Men Sexually Assault Drunk 16-Year-Old Girl in Hotel Room
"They Took Turns Waiting in Line at the Door," Testimony Reveals
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Urges Strict Punishment, Says "They Must Face Justice"
▲A beach in Tel Aviv, the capital of Israel (unrelated to the article content) [Image source=AP Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] A shocking incident occurred in Israel where a teenage girl was gang-raped by more than 30 adult men.
According to local media such as The Times of Israel on the 20th (local time), Israeli police have arrested two suspects in their 20s on charges of gang rape and are currently investigating them.
The victim is a 16-year-old girl who went to the southern Israeli resort city of Eilat with a friend on the 12th and was gang-raped in a hotel room.
There, they met a friend’s acquaintance and went out drinking together, then returned to the hotel, where she was raped by men while intoxicated.
In particular, testimonies have emerged that the male perpetrators lined up in front of the hotel room where the girl was, waiting their turn, adding to the shock.
The girl’s friend testified to the police that she tried to help her but was blocked by the men. The friend also testified to the police, "One man, seeing my intoxicated friend, claimed to be a medical professional and said he would help."
The police arrested two suspects based on cellphone messages and recorded videos exchanged between the victim and the suspects.
The first suspect is a 27-year-old man residing in northern Israel, whose detention has been extended by five days. The second suspect, arrested on the 20th, is also a 27-year-old man from Hadera in the north.
However, the first suspect claims that the act was consensual, not coercive, which has sparked controversy.
As this case has become known throughout Israel, even the political sphere is calling for strict punishment.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his feelings on Twitter, calling it a "shocking incident" and saying, "There is no other way to describe it." He added, "This is a crime against humanity itself and deserves all condemnation," and "Those responsible must face the judgment of justice."
Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi also wrote on Twitter, "We all need to deeply reflect on how such a thing is possible."
Opposition leader Yair Lapid said, "No words can explain this cruel act."
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