India: execution of four men convicted of the gang rape of a woman in 2012

In India, four men convicted of gang rape and the murder of a 23-year-old woman on a bus in New Delhi are to be hanged. The facts date back to 2012. REUTERS / Adnan Abidi

Text by: Sébastien Farcis Follow

This Friday, March 20, the 4 men sentenced for the gang rape and the murder of a 23-year-old young woman on a bus in New Delhi must be hanged. It was December 2012 and this barbaric act had sparked unprecedented protests across India. People have been calling for more security for women and tougher sanctions for rapists

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From our correspondent in New Delhi ,

More than seven years later, the laws have been tightened, but has it really made you feel safer? It is 6 pm in the south of New Delhi and the night is falling. It is the exit from the offices and Jocelyn walks towards the metro, the rapid step and the gaze concentrated on the pavement.

“ When I walk down the street, I say a prayer to ask God to come to safety. The crime rate is high in New Delhi and I don't think it has improved in the past 7 years. I would like the government to act more quickly when these crimes take place, ”explains the young woman.

New Delhi police have created units made up of women and are now prohibited from refusing to register a rape complaint. But in reality, the patriarchal mentality persists and the victims have to fight for justice.

The toughening of laws

To respond to the anger of the population, the Indian government has just tightened the Penal Code: rape of a minor is now punishable by death. A measure that will however be ineffective, said Ranjana Kumari, feminist activist and director of the Center for Social Research.

“ Changing laws is only effective if judges can enforce them. Now you have 117,000 rape complaints awaiting trial in India ! For me, promising the death penalty therefore represents a political maneuver , ”deplores the activist.

For this feminist, the horrible rape of 2012 did at least one thing: free the word of the victims, who are now heard by their families.

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  • India
  • Justice
  • Womens rights

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