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Cuban volleyball players held on rape suspicion in Finland

By Allen Cone

TAMPERE, Finland, July 4 (UPI) -- Six members of the Cuban national men's volleyball team are being held on suspicion of aggravated rape during their stay in Tampere while taking part in the World League tournament.

Police arrested eight players over the weekend but two were released Monday because they no longer are suspects. The remaining six are in custody and face a hearing Tuesday.

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Cuba lost to Finland on Saturday after three players were first detained. Another man was arrested Sunday before Cuba beat Portugal on Sunday. Then another four were arrested. The team has three wins and six losses in the tournament.

The Cuban team also is scheduled to compete in the Summer Olympics next month in Rio de Janeiro.

The suspected incident involving one victim took place in a Tampere hotel where the Cuban team was staying.

Inspector Joni Länsipuro of the Central Finland Police Department told Yle on Sunday the alleged victim has been interviewed.

The non-detained players were allowed to travel back to Cuba on Monday.

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