'Mom, I was raped': the night that changed an Israeli youth's life

In Bat Yam, a 17-year-old youth was brutally attacked, robbed, and sexually assaulted by 21-year-old Matan Lugasi. The court sentenced the attacker to 21 years in prison and compensation. The Supreme Court rejected the appeal. The victim's mother gave emotional testimony. Prosecutors later received an invitation to the youth's wedding.

In Bat Yam, a 17-year-old youth, returning from his girlfriend's place, was brutally beaten, robbed, and subjected to prolonged sexual assault by 21-year-old Matan Lugasi. Prosecutor Rotem Neumann Wasserman, recalling the case, emphasizes that the attack occurred on the street without any provocation. In May 2020, the court described the incident as hours of abuse driven by sadistic needs. Despite an abundance of evidence, including medical examinations, camera footage, and the victim's blood on the attacker's clothing, the trial was difficult. The defense tried to discredit the victim, accusing him of offering intimacy and blackmail, but provided no evidence. The Supreme Court called this version 'vile and despicable slander.' The victim's mother gave emotional testimony, recounting how she saw her son covered in blood in the morning, saying, 'Mom, I was raped.' The district court sentenced Lugasi to 21 years in prison and compensation, and the appeal was rejected. A year and a half later, prosecutors received an invitation to the youth's wedding, showing his recovery.