British teen says forced to retract Cyprus rape charge

A British teenager accused of falsely claiming she was gang-raped by a group of young Israeli tourists told a Cypriot court Wednesday that police had forced her to retract the accusation.

During three hours of questioning and cross-examination in court, the unnamed 19-year-old woman said police had been “hostile and negative” towards her.

After a torrent of questions, police had asked her to sign a statement she had not seen. She had twice requested and been denied a bathroom break.

Her testimony forms part of a “trial within a trial” to determine whether psychological pressure was exerted for her to confess she had falsely claimed she was gang raped.

The prosecution argued the Briton was made aware of her rights and her statement had been voluntary, and that she was also allowed breaks, water and food at any time.

The court is due to decide on Thursday whether the teenager’s psychologist in the UK can give evidence via teleconference before deciding on the next steps.

The teenager, who last month pleaded not guilty to the charge of “public mischief”, as at past hearings covered her face on arrival at the court in Paralimni in the southeast of the island.

If convicted, she could face up to one year in prison and a fine of around 1,700 euros ($1,850).

Defence lawyers argue she had acted under duress and her rape claim retraction was coerced.

Initially, the Briton had alleged 12 Israelis raped her on July 17 at a hotel in the resort of Ayia Napa, a magnet for younger tourists attracted by its beaches and nightlife.

The Israelis aged 15 to 18, several of whom had been detained, were released without charge after she was arrested on suspicion of “making a false statement about an imaginary crime”, according to police.

The Israelis, who denied any allegation of assault, returned home.

Rights groups argue that the teenager has suffered humiliation as well as being mistreated by both the police and the media.

They called for an investigation into the way police dealt with the case, criticising the handling of rape cases and treatment of victims in Cyprus.