Parents of girl claiming gang rape thank her supporters

THE parents of a British teenager accused of making a false claim of gang rape in Cyprus have thanked supporters for their help in a “traumatic” year, as they await a verdict due today.

The 19-year-old faces a prison sentence if she is found guilty of “causing public mischief” by fabricating claims that she was raped by a group of Israeli men at a hotel in Ayia Napa.

Her lawyers say she was forced to sign a false confession after pressure from Cypriot and Israeli authorities.

In their message through John Hobbs, the family lawyer, the parents wrote: “We remain hopeful that she will be allowed to go home on the 30th and that justice will be served.

“We just wanted to … thank you for supporting our daughter through the traumatic second half of 2019. Christmas is a time to be with family and a time for hope.”

The trial has raised questions about the Cypriot legal system’s treatment of rape victims. It has also fuelled speculation that police caved in to pressure from the Cypriot authorities to discredit the teenager in order to protect the tourism industry.

Twelve Israeli men were arrested after the alleged victim came forward, but were released without charge as police claimed the allegation had been withdrawn. All 12 denied rape.

The teenager was then charged with causing public mischief.

On returning to Israel, the suspects allegedly chanted: “The Brit is a whore” as they arrived at Ben Gurion airport.

None of the men were required to give evidence at the trial.

“The only person who has given evidence on what happened in the hotel room that evening is the teenager,” said Michael Polak, a member of the teenager’s Justice Abroad legal team.

“For her to be guilty, the judge needs to be sure that she is not telling the truth, that there is no other evidence to contradict what she said happened – but the prosecution have not brought that evidence.”