College Student Accused in Rape Case Released

One of four Johnson & Wales University students in Rhode Island accused of sexually assaulting two female freshmen has been released after surrendering his passport.

A judge released 23-year-old Yazeed Alasiri Monday afternoon on $10,000 bail. Alasiri is accused of groping an 18-year-old student. His next court date is scheduled for Dec. 8.

A bail hearing for the other three men was postponed until Tuesday. An attorney says the hearing was delayed because the students, who are from Saudi Arabia, each require an Arabic interpreter to understand the proceedings.

Investigators believe the women were drugged and assaulted at a Pawtucket apartment on the night of Oct. 1. Police say the women were given an open beer bottle and that they smoked marijuana and hookah.

Attorneys have said the defendants deny the allegations.