A
British woman has been found guilty of lying about being gang raped by a group of 12
Israeli tourists in Ayia Napa by a court Cyprus.
The woman, 19, was accused of public mischief by falsely claiming she was attacked on July 17 before making a retraction statement 10 days later.
She spent more than a month in
prison before being granted bail at the end of August, but was not allowed to leave the island.
The woman has said she recanted her accusation under duress from
police during persistent questioning without a lawyer present. Prosecutors and the court dismissed that claim.
Judge Michalis Papathanasiou gave his verdict at Famagusta District Court in Paralimni early on Monday morning.
The teenager nodded her head slightly as she was found guilty but showed no other emotion.
She was a week into a working holiday before starting university when she reported the alleged attack to police, and could now face up to a year in jail and a 1,700 euro (£1,500) fine.
The sentencing is due to take place on January 7. The 12 Israelis arrested over the alleged attack returned home after they were released.
The teenager’s family has set up a crowdfunding page asking for money for legal costs, which has raised more than £52,000.
In an online post last week, they wrote: “We remain hopeful that she will be allowed to go home on 30th and that justice will be served.”Related... British Teenager Denies Making False Gang Rape Claim In Cyprus