British woman who reported rape in Hong Kong may face prison
BBCA 25-year-old British woman who reported to police in Hong Kong that she had been raped is facing a potential prison sentence.
Isabel Rose, 25, from Hackney in east London, went to Hong Kong police in early 2024 after meeting a man she had previously encountered while travelling in Asia.
The man, who cannot be named, was arrested and then Rose was charged with blackmail and later a further charge of perverting the course of public justice. He denies the allegations and faces no charges.
Rose faced a trial last year and the verdict is expected on 3 March. If convicted, she could face several years in prison. Hong Kong Police said they were unable to provide further comment.
During the trial, which was heard before a judge, the prosecution alleged Rose asked for £5,000 and later demanded £100,000. Rose denied allegations of blackmail.
Rose told the court that she was raped and was seeking compensation that was first offered by the individual following the alleged sexual assault.
After he was arrested and questioned by police, Rose was then accused of blackmailing him.
Throughout the proceedings, Rose has been on bail, unable to work or to leave Hong Kong.
The UK consulate in Hong Kong said it does not comment on details of individual cases but that it does provide consular assistance to British nationals.
Hong Kong is part of China but operates its own legal system under the "one country, two systems" model agreed ahead of Britain's 1997 handover of the territory.
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