Netanya Court Convicts Masseur of Sexually Assaulting Soldier
A Netanya court convicted 62-year-old masseur Alexander Bakhtiarov of sexually assaulting a 19-year-old female soldier at a luxury hotel spa.
A 19-year-old female soldier who visited a luxury spa at a hotel in Netanya was sexually assaulted by a masseur, the Netanya Magistrates' Court ruled last week. The perpetrator, 62-year-old Alexander Bakhtiarov, committed a severe indecent act, according to the verdict.
A Day of Leisure Turned into Trauma
The incident took place about two years ago at the spa of the Island Suites Hotel in Netanya. The victim's mother had booked a couples massage for her daughters to celebrate a birthday. However, upon arrival, the spa manager informed them of a scheduling error and offered separate rooms—one with a male therapist and one with a female. The soldier agreed and was assigned Bakhtiarov.
According to the indictment, during the massage, Bakhtiarov removed the victim's bra, touched her chest for minutes, and attempted to reach intimate areas. The victim testified that she froze initially, but later asked to turn over so the massage would focus on her back. She also reported that the manager dismissed her complaint, urging her not to tell her mother or police.
Court Verdict and Reactions
During the trial, Bakhtiarov denied the allegations and blamed the victim, claiming she initiated contact. Magistrate Judge Guy Avnon rejected his claims, ruling the victim's testimony fully credible and condemning the defendant's behavior.
The defendant was supposed to provide a professional, pleasant, and relaxing massage. Instead of faithful hands, she encountered a wolf on the prowl, Judge Avnon wrote.
Bakhtiarov's defense attorney stated that his client maintains his innocence. Meanwhile, the hotel management clarified that the masseur was an external contractor and that cooperation with him was severed.
