Eilat Schoolgirl Rape Case: High Court Rules on Appeals
Israel's High Court of Justice (Bagatz) rejected appeals by the main perpetrator (22 years) and another adult (14 years) in the Eilat schoolgirl rape case, but reduced sentences for minor participants. One adult was acquitted of aiding and abetting but convicted of indecent acts.
Israel's Supreme Court (Bagatz) ruled on appeals in the case of the rape of a 16-year-old girl at the 'Ha-Yam Ha-Adom' hotel in Eilat in August 2020. The court rejected the appeal of the main perpetrator—an adult man sentenced to 22 years in prison—as well as the appeal of another adult who played a central role in the crime and was sentenced to 14 years. At the same time, the court reduced the sentences of other participants who were minors. One of the adults was acquitted of aiding and abetting rape and convicted only of committing indecent acts under aggravating circumstances, which involved watching the rape. The sentence of a minor who was involved in the crime but did not enter the room where the rape occurred was also reduced. The court's decision partially satisfies the appeals, but the main perpetrators remain in prison.