Adir Hbani Admits to Rape, Violence During Cross-Examination in Defamation Suit
During a cross-examination in a NIS 3 million defamation lawsuit filed by his ex-partner Ola Kvitko against him and the creators of the documentary "Shadow of Truth," Adir Hbani admitted that he understood in retrospect that he had raped Kvitko. The lawsuit alleges that publications wrongly implicated Kvitko in the murder of Tamar Rada.
Hbani was questioned about his conduct during their relationship, including a sexual encounter where Kvitko cried, asked him to stop, and tried to resist. Hbani stated that he now understands this act was rape and that he is prepared to go to prison for it. The judge intervened, clarifying Hbani's admission of responsibility. Hbani explained his realization stemmed from Kvitko's tears and her statement, "I didn't want this."
Further questioning revealed Hbani's admission to other violent acts, including slamming Kvitko's head against a wall, which he confirmed happened. The defense argued that Hbani's accusations against Kvitko were motivated by anger and a desire to control her after their difficult breakup, presenting evidence of his abusive messages and curses directed at her. Hbani described the breakup as "a kind of madness."
The proceedings also touched upon Hbani's past psychological diagnosis of a conduct disorder with narcissistic features, which he acknowledged but dismissed as relevant to his current testimony. The court also raised questions about why law enforcement did not investigate Kvitko's allegations of sexual assault more thoroughly when they were reportedly made during a police confrontation.
Hbani maintained his belief in Kvitko's involvement in the Tamar Rada murder, but his admissions of rape and violence, alongside his description of the breakup's emotional turmoil, present a complex picture. The cross-examination is scheduled to continue next week.
