Two men who allegedly raped and sexually assaulted a woman in a hotel room in Singapore are currently on trial. The incident occurred when the woman made plans to meet a former colleague while they were both in Singapore. However, instead of meeting for dinner, she passed out after drinking with her ex-colleague and his friend in a hotel room, only to wake up in pain, suspecting she had been assaulted.
The identities of the two foreign men are protected by a gag order, which withholds key information such as their names, professions, nationalities, and details about the victim. The prosecution has attempted to lift the gag order on the men’s identities but has so far been unsuccessful.
The first accused, a 49-year-old man, is facing charges of molestation, sexual assault, and obstructing justice, while the second accused, a 50-year-old man, is on trial for six charges including rape, molestation, possessing an intimate image, and obstructing justice. The pair, who have been friends for about 20 years, appeared in court wearing suits.
The court heard that the alleged victim had previously worked under the first accused and stayed in touch occasionally. She did not personally know the second accused but was aware of his professional reputation.
On February 23, 2023, the woman communicated with the first accused about their whereabouts in Singapore and plans were made to meet for dinner. On February 24 and 25, the accused men checked into different rooms at the Carlton Hotel.
The prosecution alleges that the men consumed alcohol and a portion of viagra in one of the rooms. Another person, known only as, Ms J, a 52-year-old foreign teacher, joined them briefly. Ms J, who had a previous relationship with one of the accused men, interacted with them in the room.
Later on, the alleged victim was supposed to meet the first accused for dinner at a restaurant but was instead asked to go to his hotel room. After consuming alcohol with the accused men, the woman lost consciousness and later woke up feeling sore, realizing she had been violated.
She alleged that she was assaulted on various parts of her body and that she vomited in the toilet while someone held her from behind. Closed-circuit television footage showed the first accused leaving the hotel room around 8:20 pm.
The woman woke up next to the second accused at 3 am and realized she was naked. Feeling sore and confused, she asked about the events of the previous night and indicated that she felt she had been raped. Later, the woman left the hotel room with the second accused and sought medical assistance.
The prosecution reported that the second accused deleted communications with the first accused and an image taken of the woman lying naked on the shower floor before being arrested. The trial continues with the prosecution presenting testimonies and evidence to link the accused to the alleged assault.”
