Photo Credit: Mendy Hechtman / Flash 90

After several weeks of tension, all Israeli suspects detained for the alleged rape of a British tourist in Cyprus were released on Sunday, and returned home to Israel.

12 Israeli suspects were arrested after a 19-year-old tourist from the United Kingdom claimed that she was raped in a hotel in Ayia Napa where she and the Israelis were staying.




As the investigation progressed, five suspects were released, and three were implicated via DNA tests that proved they had sexual relations with the UK tourist. The suspects claimed the sexual relations were consensual.

The seven remaining rape suspects detained in Cyprus will be released from police custody after the alleged victim changed her version of the story.

The alleged victim changed her story throughout the investigation, which hurt her credibility in the eyes of the Cypriot police. There are reports in the Israeli media that the woman admitted to police to making up the rape charges to get even with the Israeli men for filming her.

The Attorney Nir Yeslovich, who represents three of the Israeli suspects stated in response that “as I have said throughout the entire procedure, no rape took place in Cyprus. The teens were on a vacation that became a nightmare and will finally go home today. Everyone will go back to their homes and families. The Cyprus Police conducted a comprehensive and professional investigation.”

Local sources reported that the police is now considering charging the British woman with lodging false charges.