Prosecution Drops Rape Case Against Musician Yuval Vilner Due to Insufficient Evidence

The prosecution has closed the rape case against musician Yuval Vilner, citing insufficient evidence, according to Walla. The decision came after victims Shai-Li Atari and Naama Shahar had spent nearly a year seeking the publication of the suspect's name, reporting threats and harassment while the accused remained anonymous.

Atari filed a police complaint in 2022, alleging Vilner raped her in 2011. Shahar stated Vilner assaulted her in October 2022 during a date. Vilner admitted to sexual relations with both women but claimed consent. He asserted that Shahar's return to his home after a pub visit and her subsequent unwell state in bed constituted consent. Regarding Atari, he claimed she was aware of his actions.

Atari announced her intention to appeal the decision, noting the prosecution's acknowledgment that rapes involving "date rape drugs" are difficult to prove. She highlighted that after the case was reopened, witnesses were found only on the second attempt, and Vilner's lawyer had already obtained legal declarations from them before police interviews. "Years have passed, evidence has been lost, mistakes have been made, and the victims have to pay the price," Atari stated.

In May, the Tel Aviv District Court permitted the publication of Vilner's name, identifying him as a 38-year-old musician from Tel Aviv. He was detained at the airport upon returning to Israel. The Supreme Court had previously extended a gag order on his name, requiring him to undergo psychiatric evaluation due to suicide risk. Vilner had threatened suicide if his name was publicized.

Atari expressed frustration during a court hearing, stating, "He only cares about the publication of his name. He doesn't care what he did to us. He doesn't care that he beat me on the asphalt in the middle of the street. He only cares about the publication of his name and that the judge is once again meeting him halfway. He dictates the pace. It turns out again as if the victim's life is worth nothing. Unfortunately, he still controls my voice just as he controlled my body back then. I will never forget what he did to me. He continues to turn the judicial system into a circus with the support of the law."

She added that Vilner never considered his actions, only fearing public exposure. "The openness of the trial does not mean it is easy for me or that I have not had thoughts of suicide," Atari said.