Cypriots have full confidence in courts over ‘gang rape’ case
THE Government of Cyprus has said it has “full confidence” in its justice system and its courts after a British teenager was found guilty of lying about being gang raped.
The Foreign Office has expressed “serious concern” about the fairness of the 19-year-old woman’s trial and made clear it would raise the “deeply distressing case” with the Cypriot authorities.
Lawyers and campaigners criticised the justice system after the Briton was convicted of public mischief at Famagusta District Court, in Paralimni, on Monday.
However, a Cypriot Government spokesman said: “The Republic of Cyprus as an orderly state has constitutionally established institutions and separation of powers.
“In this context, the Government does not intervene in cases brought before the competent courts of the Republic of Cyprus, nor does it comment on positions or allegations which are raised with respect to cases still pending before the courts.
“The Government has full confidence in the justice system and the courts of the Republic of Cyprus, which should be left unfettered to implement state laws and deliver justice.”
The British teenager said she was raped by up to 12 Israeli tourists in a hotel room in the town of Ayia Napa on July 17.
But she was charged and the dozen young men, aged between 15 and 20, who were arrested over the incident, were freed after she signed a retraction statement 10 days later.
The woman, who had been due to go to university in September, claimed in court she was raped but forced to change her account under pressure from Cypriot police.
Judge Michalis Papathanasiou said he believed the woman had made false allegations because she felt “embarrassed” after realising she had been filmed having sex in a video found on some of the Israelis’ mobile phones.
He said: “The defendant gave police a false rape claim, while having full knowledge that this was a lie. There was no rape or violence and police had carried out a thorough investigation making all necessary arrests.”
The Briton has been on bail since the end of August, and could face up to a year in jail and a £1,500 fine when she is sentenced on January 7.
Her lawyers said they would appeal against the verdict in the Supreme Court of Cyprus and at the European Court of Human Rights if necessary.