Masseur Convicted of Sexually Assaulting Soldier During Massage in Netanya Hotel
Translated & summarized from N12 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 Magistrate 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 the court will consider this when sentencing.
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 two years ago.
- The soldier reported the incident to the spa manager, who allegedly discouraged her from complaining.
- Bakhtiarov denied the charges and accused the soldier of initiating contact.
- The judge found the soldier's testimony credible and Bakhtiarov's actions "despicable."
- Bakhtiarov continued working at the hotel after the assault.
A 19-year-old soldier was sexually assaulted by a 62-year-old masseur during a massage at the Island Suites Hotel in Netanya, a Magistrate Court ruled last week. The masseur, Alexander Bakhtiarov, was convicted of indecent assault, described in the ruling as being of "exceptionally high severity."
The incident occurred two years ago when the soldier and her sister booked a couples massage. Upon arrival, they were informed of a mix-up and offered separate treatments, with the soldier assigned to Bakhtiarov. During the massage, Bakhtiarov allegedly removed the soldier's bra, touched her breasts for several minutes, and attempted to touch her intimate areas.
Following the assault, the soldier reported the incident to the spa manager, who allegedly advised her not to complain, stating that Bakhtiarov "has children." Despite the complaint, Bakhtiarov continued to work at the spa, though he claimed he only treated male clients. The soldier testified that the manager did not believe her and tried to dissuade her from informing her mother or filing a complaint.
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. Judge Guy Avnon found the soldier's testimony credible, stating Bakhtiarov "despicably exploited a situation where the complainant was in minimal clothing, under his physical control." The judge noted Bakhtiarov's behavior during the trial, including making false accusations against the soldier, exacerbated her suffering.
Bakhtiarov's lawyer stated 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 the masseur was immediately terminated upon learning of the event. The spa initially claimed Bakhtiarov continued working but moved to an administrative role.
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