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

[Charlottejbt]

Absolutely time to boycott Cyprus until this lady is pardoned and compensated. Even if she lied (which seems incredible) she hasn't had a fair trial.

I haven't seen the Jewish Chronicle's article, but Haaretz has been very critical of Cyprus and of the Israeli boys.

[NoPasaran]

I wish people would stop making pathetic casually anti-Semitic remarks and disguising them as attacks on Israel.

[cherryblossomgin]

Cyprus is safe but Ayia Napa is a bit of a shithole in the summer. Personally we avoid it at night. We have family in Cyprus and the locals don't let their daughters go there. The visitors have ruined it. Womens rights in Cyprus aren't great, I feel that its behind the times, the judge refused to hear any evidence to support the rape claim so hopefully she can get an appeal. I know I've already replied but after reading the updates on the news I believe her.

[RufusthebewiIderedreindeer]

I believe her

[BringMeTea]

Que? Have you lost your mind?

[happycamper11]

the locals don't let their daughters go there

That's entirely untrue, you will get many local teens and families at McDonald's, at the Luna Park, down at the coffee shops at the harbour. I know many locals who have teenage daughters that LIVE in ayia napa. Some help work in their bars and restaurants. The bat strip in relation to the town is small

[FairytaleofButlins]

It's threads like this one who make you really wonder if a trial by jury is the best or fairest way to judge.

[NoPasaran]

@BringMeTea No mate, I'm just sick of your kind of anti-Semitic shit.

[Tellmetruth4]

I believe her and I would advise any woman to avoid visiting that country. Political ties have been put above rape. It’s clear as day what’s going on here. Add Cyprus to the list of countries were women are judged to have committed a crime by being raped.

[BurtonHouse]

I've spent a lot of time in Cyprus over the last 15 years, and one thing I've been told time and time again with great pride is that there is no crime there. Now I know why.

[Summerandsparkle]

I was thinking of going next year but definitely won’t now. I wouldn’t let my teenage sisters go either.

Absolutely shocking case. I hope the poor girl and her family get the justice she deserves.

[Tellmetruth4]

I went there many years ago and some of the locals assumed you were a slut just because you were a British tourist wearing a short skirt so I’m guessing if anything happened to you it would be your fault for being out without a padlock covering your whole body.

[BoneyBackJefferson]

FairytaleofButlins
It's threads like this one who make you really wonder if a trial by jury is the best or fairest way to judge.

How else would you do it?
Who would get to say who is the right person to judge?

[Patroclus]

Recognising Israel has a government that acts like all other governments is now Something You Cannot Say im afraid.

[FairytaleofButlins]

BoneyBackJefferson
there are plus and minuses about everything, but it make for a very interesting read. 3 professional judges is an option too, there are others.

It at least proves why having lawyer to - at the very least- check basic facts if vital.

Can you imagine a trial by MN posters? Depending on the time of day and year, you'll end up hanged, drawn and quartered (with your genital between your teeth if you are male) or with a peace Nobel Prize.

The comments on here about people who "believe" without knowing anything are ridiculous.

[MyBeloved]

Wtf? Why are antisemitic tropes being bandied around on this thread? "Israel would have been involved"; "powerful" etc. Fuck off!!!

Would you say that about another country? No, you probably wouldn't.

Reporting in the hope MN can see you for the antisemitic shits that you are.

[Newdilemma]

Kraai It really did not read that you were being sarcastic - an emoticon might have helped. There are, after all, lots of people with a view that if a woman goes to have sex with a man she shouldn't be surprised if she ends up with things being done to her that she doesn't want to happen. See this thread.
All those saying ' I am not victim blaming. Just pointing out that...'
I think the offense comes from the fact that your focus is on the victim - instead of decrying the attackers. Stop focusing on the victims behaviour and start focussing on the attackers.

[Kraai]

@IdblowJonSnow Did someone on this thread actually suggest that if you agree to go back with someone you consent to anything that might follow?!!
That was me and I was being sarcastic!! You're not the only one to miss my sarcasm though so I obviously didn't convert it well!

[1foot2feet]

@FairytaleofButlins I don't agree that they are the best way at all, but as Boney says, I'm unsure of what an alternative would be. My lecturer once suggested to us the possibility of having trials by AI in the future which is quite a scary concept!

[NoPasaran]

@Patroclus Legitimate criticism is fine. But she didn't say the Israeli govt, she said the Israelis. Casual anti-semitism at its finest.

[BringMeTea]

I said 'The powers that be'. Meaning the government. Hth.

[RufusthebewiIderedreindeer]

I think some people struggle with the whole idea of the ‘we believe you’ campaign

[sniffsneeze]

In what way @rufus