Masseur Convicted of Sexually Assaulting Soldier During Massage in Netanya Hotel
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
A 19-year-old soldier was sexually assaulted by a 62-year-old masseur during a massage at the Island Suites Hotel in Netanya. The masseur, Alexander Bakhtiarov, was convicted of indecent assault by the Netanya Magistrate's Court. The soldier reported the incident to the spa manager, who allegedly discouraged her from filing a complaint. Bakhtiarov continued working at the hotel after the assault, and his sentencing will consider his conduct during the trial.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Alexander Bakhtiarov, 62, was convicted of indecent assault against a 19-year-old soldier during a massage.
- The assault occurred at the Island Suites Hotel in Netanya, where Bakhtiarov continued to work after the incident.
- The soldier reported the assault to the spa manager, who allegedly urged her not to file a complaint.
- During the trial, Bakhtiarov denied the charges and accused the soldier of fabricating the incident.
- Magistrate Judge Guy Avnon found the soldier's testimony credible and condemned Bakhtiarov's actions and post-assault behavior.
- The hotel stated the incident involved an external party and their contract with Bakhtiarov was terminated.
A 19-year-old female soldier was sexually assaulted by a 62-year-old masseur during a massage at the Island Suites Hotel in Netanya, a Netanya Magistrate's Court ruled last week. The masseur, Alexander Bakhtiarov, was convicted of indecent assault, described in the verdict as being of "exceptionally high severity."
The incident occurred two years ago when the soldier and her sister booked a couples massage at the hotel's spa for the sister's birthday. Upon arrival, they were informed of a mix-up and offered separate treatments, one by a male masseur and the other by a female. The soldier was assigned to Bakhtiarov.
According to the indictment, Bakhtiarov removed the soldier's bra during the massage, touched her chest for several minutes, and attempted to touch her intimate areas. The soldier testified that after the incident, she informed the spa manager, who allegedly advised her not to report it, stating that Bakhtiarov "has children." Despite the complaint, Bakhtiarov continued to work at the spa, though he claimed to only treat male clients.
During the trial, Bakhtiarov denied the charges, accusing the soldier of initiating sexual contact and claiming her complaint was a "little girl's defense." He suggested women can "imagine situations where they are touched" due to hormonal issues. Magistrate Judge Guy Avnon, in his verdict, found the soldier's testimony credible, stating Bakhtiarov "despicably exploited a situation where the complainant was minimally clothed and under his physical control." The judge noted Bakhtiarov's false accusations against the soldier during the trial exacerbated her suffering.
Bakhtiarov's lawyer, Yizhar Conforti, stated that his client maintains his innocence and denies any wrongdoing, adding that the judge ignored evidence contradicting the soldier's claims. The hotel stated the incident was by an "external party" and that their contract with Bakhtiarov was immediately terminated upon learning of the matter. The spa confirmed Bakhtiarov continued working but in an administrative role.
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