India: the release of a gang of rapists in Gujarat causes scandal
A gang of rapists have been pardoned by the state of Gujarat.
Here, a rape victim photographed in 2016 in New Delhi (illustration photo).
AFP - CHANDAN KHANNA
Text by: RFI Follow
1 min
It is a scandal in India after the pardon granted to a gang of rapists and murderers in Gujarat.
For the 75th Indian Independence Day, the government had decided to release certain prisoners, with the exception in particular of rapists.
The release of these men therefore horrifies part of the population and makes the opposition step up.
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With our correspondent in Bangalore,
Côme Bastin
The consternation lives up to the promises that had been made.
During his address to the nation on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for an end to "the humiliation of women".
But on the same day, a gang of infamous rapists was pardoned by the state of Gujarat.
Eleven men, sentenced to life in prison for the rape of
Bilkis Bano
, a pregnant Muslim, and the murder of seven members of her family.
The young woman who had survived, but lost her child, had since become a symbol of the victims of the anti-Muslim pogroms in Gujarat in 2002. Their release had the effect of a bomb.
“
Either the government of Gujarat reconsiders its decision, or Narendra Modi reconsiders its words
”, demands the party of the Congress.
"
This is the New India - killers and rapists are freed and activists are imprisoned
," the Communist Party of India tweeted.
The Gujarat government claims that this pardon is unrelated to central government announcements, but this is unconvincing.
On Twitter, Internet users express their disgust, sharing a video where the rapists receive sweets and garlands.
►Also read: India: rape by a person of the same sex is still not punishable by law
15th August 2022: PM Modi gives speech on ending abuse of women.
Yesterday: 11 convicts walk out of jail in Bilkis Bano gang rape case and welcomed them with flowers and sweets.#BilkisBano pic.twitter.com/J4gASqxS9O
— Azhar Khan (@I_am_azhar__) August 16, 2022
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