Remand of two IDF soldiers held on rape accusations extended
Two IDF soldiers accused of raping a female soldier while intoxicated on an IDF naval commando base to remain in custody while a military criminal investigation is being conducted; the two contend the sex was consensual.
The two are being accused of rape, acts of indecency and sodomy. According to the court, there is sufficient evidence against the two defendants to indicate that the alleged offenses were committed.
The two soldiers serve in supporting roles as drivers in IDF's elite naval commando unit, Shayetet 13, and were arrested following a complaint filed by the plaintiff to the IDF's Criminal Investigations Department.
According to the complaint, the two were drinking alcohol in a vehicle on base and then sexually assaulted her.
The two suspects, who do not have criminal records, are claiming that the sexual encounter was consensual.
The IDF issued a statement in response to the complaint and subsequent arrests, saying, "On Wednesday, March 29th, two soldiers were arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting another soldier. Their remand has been extended until Thursday, April 6th. An IDF criminal investigation is ongoing."
(Translated and edited by Fred Goldberg)
