Two American students were brutally attacked in Sicily, raising serious questions about tourist safety. The assaults, which occurred in Siracusa, highlight an alarming trend of violence against foreign visitors. Even though these suspects are in custody, an alarming increase in such attacks has tourists on high alert.
Students Attacked in Sicily
Two American students were raped in Siracusa, Sicily, after being separated by opportunistic attackers, aged 18 and 19. The suspects, identified as locals, are now in police custody.
Incident on July 3
The assault occurred on the night of July 3 as the victims returned from an evening in Ortigia. They were in the marina area when approached by the attackers.
Attackers on a Scooter
The attackers arrived on a scooter as the victims attempted to use a cigarette vending machine. These machines require a national ID for age verification, which the students did not possess.
Victims Separated
One of the attackers offered to use a card, separating the two victims. The assaults occurred soon after.
Locations of the Attacks
One woman was attacked near the marina, while the other was taken to a house. Both faced similar assaults.
Immediate Police Report
The victims reported the attacks to the police the following morning. Siracusa’s vice squad swiftly identified and arrested the two suspects.
Arrest and Charges
The suspects were arrested at dawn on July 5, charged with aggravated sexual assault. They were taken to a local jail.
Students in Italy
The victims are in Italy for their studies. Prosecutors stated that the attackers exploited the women’s lack of Italian to carry out their crime.
Investigation Findings
Witness statements and scene investigations supported the victims’ accounts. The case was reported by Corriere Del Mezzogiorno.
Travel Advisory
The US Department of State has a level two travel advisory for Italy, advising increased caution due to potential terrorism risks, not crime.
Canadian Woman Assaulted in Palermo
In April, a Canadian woman was raped at a B&B in Palermo, Sicily’s largest city. She had reportedly met one of the two men, a hospital porter, while visiting her injured boyfriend.
Interaction with the Attacker
The woman told police she invited the porter to her bed and breakfast after a conversation. She described him as “very nice” but could not recall details beyond a certain point.
2019 American Woman’s Assault
In 2019, an American woman was lured from a bar by three Sicilian men and gang-raped in a parking lot. The attackers’ sentences were reduced from seven to four years on appeal.
Soccer Players Sentenced
Last month, two Italian soccer players, Mattia Lucarelli and Federico Apolloni, received prison sentences for gang-raping an American woman in Milan. They were sentenced to over three and a half years.
