Last update - 00:00 22/03/2007
Rape indictment retracted due to potential trauma to victim
By Nir Hasson, Haaretz Correspondent
The Tel Aviv district prosecution announced on Wednesday that it was retracting its indictment of a man accused of raping a 12-year-old girl, due to psychologists' assessment that the girl would be emotionally damaged if she testified during the trial.
The accused, Lior Dekel, served two years in prison for raping a 16-year-old girl, but was released after she was recorded as saying she had perjured herself.
The prosecution said its decision on Wednesday was made in conjunction with the plaintiff's parents.
"The minor's version is just as credible as it was the day the indictment was filed, but we needed to bring the proceeding to an end for her own good," said prosecutor Ruth Shavit.
Dekel was indicted a year ago on charges of indecent acts and rape. The trial was delayed by six months after a children's interrogator recommended the girl not testify in court. Two subsequent reports reiterated the recommendation.
The prosecution considered requesting a further delay in the trial, but decided to retract the indictment altogether in light of the time that had passed since it was first filed.