Foreign Office expresses concern over Cyprus rape claim case
The Foreign Office has said it is ‘seriously concerned’ about the case of the British teenager found guilty of falsely claiming she was gang raped in Cyprus.
The Government department described the case as ‘deeply distressing’ and said it will raise its concerns with the Cypriot authorities.
The 19-year-old woman was found guilty of public mischief by a court yesterday and now faces up to 12 months in prison when she is sentenced on January 7 2020.
A district court ruled she had falsely claimed to have been sexually abused by 12 Israeli teenagers in a hotel room in Ayia Napa in July.
The teenager maintains she was forced to withdraw her claim under duress. She is set to appeal against the ruling
A Foreign Office spokesman said: "The UK is seriously concerned about the fair trial guarantees in this deeply distressing case and we will be raising the issue with the Cypriot authorities."
Lisa
Lisa joined Travel Weekly nearly 25 years ago as technology reporter and then sailed around the world for a couple of years as cruise correspondent, before becoming deputy editor. Now freelance, Lisa writes for various print and web publications, edits Corporate Traveller’s client magazine, Gateway, and works on the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife series of photography books, which raise awareness of nature’s most at-risk species and helps to fund their protection.
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Woman dies after going overboard in English Channel
Foreign Office issues travel advisory for winter sun destinations