Opal Malul Accuses: "I Was Raped in a Hot Tub, Police Are Delaying the Investigation"
Opal Malul, 37, from Kibbutz Gvat, claims she was drugged and raped in a hot tub a month ago. She criticizes the police for negligence and failing to make arrests despite provided evidence.
Opal Malul, 37, from Kibbutz Gvat in the Jezreel Valley, claims that about a month ago she was drugged and raped in a hot tub at a home in the kibbutz. She is highly critical of a negligent and unprofessional police investigation that has yet to lead to the arrest of any suspect, even though she and her friends provided the names of all those involved.
The incident is being published here for the first time. Malul consented to the publication of her name, was interviewed by Walla with her face exposed, and says she has nothing to hide. "Let those who raped me hide," she says.
According to her, the incident began to unfold on the afternoon of Saturday, June 27. She went down to the pool, where she met a kibbutz resident with two guests. The man offered her a drink, after which, Malul says, she lost consciousness for five hours. A few hours later, she was found by friends at the home of those same people in a state of clouded consciousness, screaming, "I was raped."
Criticism of Police Conduct
Attorney Gideon Costa, representing Malul, claims that the investigation at the Migdal HaEmek station has been conducted with severe negligence. He argues that the police failed to question the homeowners as suspects, despite their admission that Malul was in the hot tub with them. A medical report from Bnai Zion Hospital documents injuries consistent with sexual assault.
MK Naama Lazimi has appealed to the Northern District Police Commander, demanding an investigation into the handling of the case, citing a "highly disturbing picture" of the police's management.
Official Responses
Attorney Nadav Greenwald, representing the suspects, stated: "My clients completely deny all suspicions. The complainant is attempting to exert improper pressure through the media ahead of an upcoming appeal."
The Israel Police rejected the allegations of negligence, emphasizing that the investigation is ongoing and that various investigative actions are being carried out.
