Cyprus is no longer a safe place for (young, single) women to holiday?

[Kraai]

The teen went back to her ONS's room for consensual sex. When there, 11 of his mates burst in and filmed while three of them then raped her. She went to the police and reported it. They were detained. They said it was consensual and was "with love" (I kid you not!). She was interviewed at length with no legal representation and the police decided she was lying. She was then charged with the crime of making up a crime and has been unable to come home since the summer. The guys were all allowed to return to Israel where some of them have since said things indicating she wasn't lying at all and I'm pretty sure the video was shared (from memory, which may be wrong). She's had psychological evaluation saying she's suffering badly from PTSD.

It's worth noting that the Cyprus is a very popular destination for young Israelis to let off steam before they start national service and there's a strong political tie between the two.

So, AIBU to say that Cyprus is no longer a safe destination for young woman? If the worst happens to you and you report it and the police think you're not a credible witness, YOU will end up in jail. Knowing how traumatic reporting something like a stolen wallet in a foreign police station can be, the idea that a woman would be interviewed without legal representation in a state of severe distress, however that manifests, and then not believed and charged means that men have been given free rein to rape in Cyprus. Especially if it's in a potential "grey zone".

https://www.bbc.com/news/videoandd_audio/headlines/50944483/cyprus-rape-claim-case-it-s-a-very-worrying-conviction

The cynic in me is because they know it happens, they don't want to deal with it and they don't want further cases to be highlighted in the press. What better way to do that than telling victims that they can end up in jail themselves? Bet they're rape statistics will go right down.

their

Rape is a fact of life

So is cancer. That doesn’t stop us fighting to eradicate it.

Cyprus and the mediterranean was never particularly safe for single women. So much sexism and mamas boys ingrained in the culture.

A friend works at the British Embassy in Thailand, he told me that the FCO/UK gov is not allowed to interfere in the local police/court process of the host country.
He said that Consular staff offer as much support and guidance as they can but their hands are tied and so often they are criticised for not doing enough.
They are not allowed to offer legal advice, translation services or get involved in an investigation in any way. There seems to be a misconception about what they can actually do and what powers they have.

Only when there has been a verdict in a case can the FCO/UK gov make representation on behalf of someone which I believe from what I have read online is happening now.

I just heard the Mum on the radio and she said that she has not heard from anyone in the FCO at all yet in other interviews she said they had really good support from local Consular staff on the ground, in person, at court, in prison etc so a bit of a mixed message there.

I believe her.

This is just so horrific. She has been denied access to a fair trial, her injuries were ignored despite being consistent with rape.... this is a demonstration of the most appalling corruption and misogyny.

from a culture of "celebs" becoming famous with a "leaked" sex tape and building their entire career on it. if you can call that a career.

from TOWIE Wannabees desperate to become "famous" by any means.

that's where the culture comes from...
Nearly as bad as the people lying or faking child illness to get donations (using photos of real children to make fake gofund me claim)

There's a really nasty frame of mind out there.

(I am not talking about the woman of the case to be clear, just replying to the poster asking how can people not believe her. That's how)

@Babynamechangerr

I believe her and will boycott Cyprus forever, Greek and Turkish sides I'm afraid. I have two daughters and will never allow them to set foot that country whilst I can prevent it.

What has the Turksih side done in this situation? Am I missing something? Why hold North Cyprus responsible as well?

I will not be boycotting Cyprus, just looking to book my summer hol there as a matter of fact. Her story does not add up to me.

And the medical evidence regarding her injuries (which were consistent with rape)? Does that not add up either?

@MiddleAgedLady it doesn't matter if her story adds up or not(not going into that again). What matters is that she wasn't awarded a fair trial or defence and that's even worse than everything else.

You have chosen to go there in support of Cyprus?

Lol

Good for you.

Do you know if there's a crowd funder other people who support the police and judiciary in this case can donate to? They have been treated badly and must be feeling terrible.

Also how about a crowd funder for those poor boys? They are nearly out of champagne I hear and their dancing shoes are wearing through from over use. Maybe you could start one?

Ever consider those boys could have been falsely accused? nope didnt think so

Everyone who think this doesn't 'add up' SEND CASH NOW!!!

love it.

Hell no! I would never go to Cyprus. I believe the victim.

She never accused them, middleaged woman.

The doctor who treated her injuries did as he was concerned she had been attacked.

He sounds dodgy as well right? Send him to prison for false reports!

Cash to the poor boys now!

Maybe get friends taking her tomorrow doctor was all part of the plan. Self inflicted injuries probably.

Question. Should her friends be in prison too? Some say yes. Send cash now to get justice done!

Many people in the UK are concerned that she has not been treated legally.
The govt has expressed concern.

Should they be in prison too? Some say yes. Send cash now for justice!

And don't forget the boys champagne and dancing shoes fund as well.

Would the outcome have been different if the boys were not Israeli? Perhaps. Cyprus were probably protecting their relationship with Israel. I'd never visit Cyprus.

The "boys" said the regret nothing and that they plan to sue her for 60.000 euros. They are obviously traumatised.

I don't think it would this happens in tourist destinations, irrespective of nationality of offender.

Has happened with murders as well in some countries.

Let's get that crowd funder going and see if we can't double it. Champagne doesn't come cheap these days.

Those poor poor boys.

I mean not always obviously but over the years plenty of women have said they've been shut down/ sent away when reporting rape in many tourist destinations, there have been murders that have been dubiously investigated, and of course you have the 'tragic accidents' that are covered up.

Not all destinations and not all crimes obviously, but it's definitely a thing.

The step to prosecute this girl and draw attention to it is unusual though. And fucking outrageous obviously.

Timmythatyou, I don't think crowd funding links are allowed on the main pages ... ?

I don't pretend to know whether she's guilty or not, since I wasn't there and haven't seen the evidence - but if she is, those giving money might want to pause and think what exactly they're funding