Prosecutors Close Rape Case Against Yuval Vilner Due to Lack of Evidence

The prosecution has announced the closure of the case against Yuval Vilner, who was suspected of raping Shi-Li Atari and Naama Shahar, citing insufficient evidence. Atari intends to appeal this decision.

In 2022, Atari filed a complaint alleging that Vilner raped her in her building's parking lot in 2011. Shahar filed a complaint stating that Vilner raped her in October 2022 during a date. Vilner admitted to sexual acts with both women but claimed they were consensual. During his interrogation regarding Shahar's complaint, Vilner stated, "We were on a date, we went to a pub, then we went up to my place. She wasn't feeling well, she got into my bed, and I saw it as consent."

Atari released a statement expressing her dismay, emphasizing that the case was closed not because she was not raped or because Vilner was proven innocent, but due to a lack of evidence after many years. She noted the difficulty in proving cases involving suspected date rape drugs and highlighted the struggle to reopen the case, with witnesses signing affidavits before being questioned. Atari believes that the passage of time and resulting damage to evidence, along with errors, have unfairly impacted the victim.

"Lack of evidence is not proof that a crime did not occur. And the hole in my memory is not proof of consent. On the contrary: what was taken from me that night, the ability to remember, has now also become what prevents me from receiving justice," Atari stated. She added that if this is the system's approach, Israel is not only struggling to prosecute rapists but is teaching them how to evade justice.

Vilner's name was cleared for publication in May, after his lawyer waived claims of suicidal risk, allowing his identity to be revealed. Atari had previously spoken about the difficulty of not being able to speak Vilner's name publicly for 15 years while he continued his life, while she lived in fear. She also commented on the troubling reality where rape suspects remain free while victims are pressured into silence.