A Finnish prosecutor has charged six members of the Cuban national volleyball team with aggravated rape.
Prosecutor Leena Koivuniemi says all six have denied the charges. She declined Tuesday to give further details pending the court case.
Eight Cuban players were originally arrested following allegations that a woman was raped at a hotel where the team was staying in the city of Tampere. Two were later released.
The team was in Finland for the Volleyball World League tournament in early July. The Cuban Volleyball Association has acknowledged the arrests, saying the investigation seems to indicate acts by the players that were “totally removed from discipline, the sense of honor and respect that govern our sport and society.”
If found guilty the suspects face maximum sentences of eight years in prison.
