Last update - 00:00 25/03/2007
Non-commissioned officer suspected of raping IDF soldier for 7 months
By Mijal Grinberg, Haaretz Correspondent
An non-commissioned officer in the Israel Defense Forces serving at a military base in Be'er Sheva is suspected of raping a female soldier serving under his command over the course of seven months.
The NCO was detained two weeks ago, and on Monday a decision will be made on whether to extend his remand.
The soldier, 20, claimed the NCO raped her and sexually abused her over seven months, from August to February.
The NCO said the sexual relations occurred on a consensual basis, and that she had even initiated contact. His attorneys, Almogit Avital and Idan Pesach, said the complainant's testimony is "full of contradictions," and that "the investigation of the Military Police exposed many lies on the soldier's part."
On Monday, the Southern Command court-martial will determine whether to extend the suspect's remand.
The investigation by the Military Police has been completed, and in the coming days a decision will be made on the types of charges to be filed.
The suspect will face a hearing regardless of the charges, however, as sexual relations between commanders and subordinates are themselves prohibited.