Brazil expanded its requirements Friday for rape victims seeking an abortion, including a rule that medical staff must tell the woman she can see the embryo or fetus via ultrasound.

The new regulations published by far-right President Jair Bolsonaro's health ministry also stipulate that the rape "must be reported to police" regardless of the woman's wishes, that she must give doctors "a detailed account" of what happened, and that she must be "expressly warned" she can be prosecuted for fraud and aborting illegally if she is unable to prove her claim.

Brazil allows abortion only in cases of rape, danger to the woman's life or the severe birth defect anencephaly.

Even those exceptions are controversial among the religious right in Latin America's largest country, which has powerful conservative Catholic and Evangelical Christian communities.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eldest-son-of-brazils-president-jair-bolsonaro-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-323087">Also read:&nbsp;Eldest son of Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro tests positive for coronavirus</a>

The new rules issued by interim health minister Eduardo Pazuello, an active-duty army general, came on the heels of an outcry earlier this month over the case of a 10-year-old girl who was allegedly raped by her uncle and was refused an abortion in her home state, Espirito Santo.

She then flew across the country to the northeastern city of Recife, where she was able to undergo the procedure.

However, she was met outside the hospital by far-right activists and politicians who staged a furious protest.

Demonstrators were informed of the girl's identity and the hospital where she was to be admitted in a video posted online by far-right activist Sara Winter, a prominent Bolsonaro supporter with close ties to Women's Minister Damares Alves, an Evangelical pastor.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/brazil-president-jair-bolsonaro-and-his-non-normal-antics-314020">Also read:&nbsp;Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro and his 'non-normal' antics</a>

The new regulations from the health ministry, published in the official gazette, triggered immediate outcry from abortion rights supporters.

"I have just introduced a bill in Congress to block today's health ministry decree, which is an obstacle to legal abortion and constitutes psychological violence against women," leftist lawmaker and doctor Jandira Feghali wrote on Twitter.

Sixteen lawmakers in the lower house, including Feghali, wrote a letter to UN human-rights chief Michelle Bachelet urging her to intervene against the decree as a matter of protecting women's rights.

Brazil expanded its requirements Friday for rape victims seeking an abortion, including a rule that medical staff must tell the woman she can see the embryo or fetus via ultrasound.

Brazil expanded its requirements Friday for rape victims seeking an abortion, including a rule that medical staff must tell the woman she can see the embryo or fetus via ultrasound. The new regulations published by far-right President Jair Bolsonaro's health ministry also stipulate that the rape "must be reported to police" regardless of the woman's wishes, that she must give doctors "a detailed account" of what happened, and that she must be "expressly warned" she can be prosecuted for fraud and aborting illegally if she is unable to prove her claim. Brazil allows abortion only in cases of rape, danger to the woman's life or the severe birth defect anencephaly. Even those exceptions are controversial among the religious right in Latin America's largest country, which has powerful conservative Catholic and Evangelical Christian communities. Also read: Eldest son of Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro tests positive for coronavirus The new rules issued by interim health minister Eduardo Pazuello, an active-duty army general, came on the heels of an outcry earlier this month over the case of a 10-year-old girl who was allegedly raped by her uncle and was refused an abortion in her home state, Espirito Santo. She then flew across the country to the northeastern city of Recife, where she was able to undergo the procedure. However, she was met outside the hospital by far-right activists and politicians who staged a furious protest. Demonstrators were informed of the girl's identity and the hospital where she was to be admitted in a video posted online by far-right activist Sara Winter, a prominent Bolsonaro supporter with close ties to Women's Minister Damares Alves, an Evangelical pastor. Also read: Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro and his 'non-normal' antics The new regulations from the health ministry, published in the official gazette, triggered immediate outcry from abortion rights supporters. "I have just introduced a bill in Congress to block today's health ministry decree, which is an obstacle to legal abortion and constitutes psychological violence against women," leftist lawmaker and doctor Jandira Feghali wrote on Twitter. Sixteen lawmakers in the lower house, including Feghali, wrote a letter to UN human-rights chief Michelle Bachelet urging her to intervene against the decree as a matter of protecting women's rights.

Brazil expands requirements for abortion in rape cases

A 25-year-old woman has lodged a&nbsp;complaint here alleging that she was sexually assaulted by as many as 139 people over the past several years following which a case has been registered, police said on Friday.

The woman, who was divorced within a year of her marriage in 2010, has also said in the complaint that apart from them, some family members of her former husband sexually harassed her, they said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-spike-of-68898-cases-983-deaths-reported-in-india-in-the-last-24-hours-322060">Coronavirus: Spike of 68,898 cases, 983 deaths reported in India, in the last 24 hours</a>

Following the complaint, a case under relevant IPC sections and under relevant provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act was registered on Thursday and the FIR runs into 42 pages.

The woman was sent for a medical examination.

"Following the complaint, we have registered a case and are further investigating," a police official attached to Punjagutta police station said.

According to the woman, she was threatened and sexually abused and exploited by 139 people over the past several years at different places.

She further said due to fear and panic and threats from the accused, there was delay in filing the police complaint, police added. 
&nbsp;

A 25-year-old woman has lodged a complaint here alleging that she was sexually assaulted by as many as 139 people over the past several years following which a case has been registered, police said on Friday.

A 25-year-old woman has lodged a complaint here alleging that she was sexually assaulted by as many as 139 people over the past several years following which a case has been registered, police said on Friday. The woman, who was divorced within a year of her marriage in 2010, has also said in the complaint that apart from them, some family members of her former husband sexually harassed her, they said. Also read | Coronavirus: Spike of 68,898 cases, 983 deaths reported in India, in the last 24 hours Following the complaint, a case under relevant IPC sections and under relevant provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act was registered on Thursday and the FIR runs into 42 pages. The woman was sent for a medical examination. "Following the complaint, we have registered a case and are further investigating," a police official attached to Punjagutta police station said. According to the woman, she was threatened and sexually abused and exploited by 139 people over the past several years at different places. She further said due to fear and panic and threats from the accused, there was delay in filing the police complaint, police added.

Hyderabad: Woman files complaint over sexual assault by 139 people

Protests have sparked in Brazil after personal details of a 10-year old rape victim were posted online.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-fires-threaten-worlds-largest-wetland-321632" hreflang="en">Brazil fires threaten world's largest wetland</a>

The victim's name was published online by an anti-abortion activist, who was looking forward to stopping her from having a termination.

A Brazilian judge has ordered Google, Facebook and Twitter to remove the personal details of the girl from their sites. He has urged the companies to remove the details within 24 hours or will face a fine of 50,000 reais ($9,000) per day.&nbsp;

According to British media coverage, &nbsp;pro-Bolsonaro activist Sara Giromini was the one who released the details of the 10-year-old victim.&nbsp;

<h6><img alt="cdd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c032184b-88c7-4fd8-86b0-1f1bb276f69f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_127.jpg" /> 
Sara Giromini, pro-abortion activist | AFP</h6>

Many women in Brazil have taken to streets to protect the 10-year-old girl who was mistreated by religious extremists for trying to legally undergo an abortion after being raped, allegedly by her uncle.&nbsp;

The South American country has strict laws on abortion but the termination is allowed in the cases of rape, when the mother's life is at risk or when the foetus has the birth defect anencephaly which is a rare condition that prevents part of the brain and skull from developing.&nbsp;

Despite having the legal permission for having an abortion, activists against termination surrounded the hospital and began protesting. They called the hospital staff "killers". These activists were dispersed by the military police.

According to pro-choice activists, who are in favour of the abortion, the girl was smuggled into the hospital in the boot of a car. The victim entered the premise by a side door.&nbsp;

Protests have sparked in Brazil after personal details of a 10-year old rape victim were posted online. Also read: Brazil fires threaten world's largest wetland The victim's name was published online by an anti-abortion activist, who was looking forward to stopping her from having a termination.

Protests have sparked in Brazil after personal details of a 10-year old rape victim were posted online. Also read: Brazil fires threaten world's largest wetland The victim's name was published online by an anti-abortion activist, who was looking forward to stopping her from having a termination. A Brazilian judge has ordered Google, Facebook and Twitter to remove the personal details of the girl from their sites. He has urged the companies to remove the details within 24 hours or will face a fine of 50,000 reais ($9,000) per day. According to British media coverage, pro-Bolsonaro activist Sara Giromini was the one who released the details of the 10-year-old victim. Sara Giromini, pro-abortion activist | AFP Many women in Brazil have taken to streets to protect the 10-year-old girl who was mistreated by religious extremists for trying to legally undergo an abortion after being raped, allegedly by her uncle. The South American country has strict laws on abortion but the termination is allowed in the cases of rape, when the mother's life is at risk or when the foetus has the birth defect anencephaly which is a rare condition that prevents part of the brain and skull from developing. Despite having the legal permission for having an abortion, activists against termination surrounded the hospital and began protesting. They called the hospital staff "killers". These activists were dispersed by the military police. According to pro-choice activists, who are in favour of the abortion, the girl was smuggled into the hospital in the boot of a car. The victim entered the premise by a side door.

Pro-abortion vs Pro-choice: Massive outcry in Brazil as 10-year-old rape victim persecuted

An unnamed British lawmaker and former minister has been arrested on accusations of rape, sexual assault and coercive control.

According to the Sunday Times, a woman in her twenties reported to police she had been assaulted and forced to have sex. The woman was a former parliamentary employee, it said.

London's Metropolitan Police said it had received on Friday allegations relating to four separate incidents between July 2019 and January 2020.

The man in his 50s was arrested on Saturday, the police statement said.

Late on Saturday, the police said the lawmaker had been released on bail after being held in custody in an east London police station, and that he was to return in the middle of this month.

The police did not confirm any further details about the man's identity or occupation.

An unnamed British lawmaker and former minister has been arrested on accusations of rape, sexual assault and coercive control. According to the Sunday Times, a woman in her twenties reported to police she had been assaulted and forced to have sex.

An unnamed British lawmaker and former minister has been arrested on accusations of rape, sexual assault and coercive control. According to the Sunday Times, a woman in her twenties reported to police she had been assaulted and forced to have sex. The woman was a former parliamentary employee, it said. London's Metropolitan Police said it had received on Friday allegations relating to four separate incidents between July 2019 and January 2020. The man in his 50s was arrested on Saturday, the police statement said. Late on Saturday, the police said the lawmaker had been released on bail after being held in custody in an east London police station, and that he was to return in the middle of this month. The police did not confirm any further details about the man's identity or occupation.

British lawmaker arrested after rape allegation, says report

Mexico's Supreme Court has rejected an injunction that could have&nbsp;effectively decriminalised termination of child birth in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

The pro-choice campaigners were hoping for a historic ruling but were hugely disappointed when the court ruled against giving women the opportunity to choose.

In 2019, a judge in Xalapa, Veracruz had passed an injunction asking the state's Congress to&nbsp;remove articles 149, 150 and 154 of the local penal code, which would have decriminalised abortion in the first 12 weeks, of pregnancy, allowed abortions for health-related reasons and would have removed the existing time limit on abortions in cases of rape.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/peru-says-over-900-girls-women-feared-dead-since-pandemic-began-316453">Also read:&nbsp;Peru says over 900 girls, women feared dead since pandemic began</a>

The changes were recommended in the&nbsp;National Commission to Prevent and Eradicate Violence against Women (Conavim) and the National Institute for Women (InMujeres) back in 2016, and it took more than 3 years for the court to hear the case.

However, the decision that came this week has brought huge disappointment and frustration from the women's rights activists of the country who believe that while this decision currently only affects&nbsp;Veracruz, it could have impact in the whole country.

Out of 32 states,&nbsp;currently, abortion is only legal in two Mexican states — Oaxaca and Mexico City.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-takes-over-uk-with-third-highest-coronavirus-death-toll-317408">Also read:&nbsp;Mexico takes over UK with third highest coronavirus death toll</a>

Mexico is infamous for its loosely built rules regarding sexual violence and abortions. While it is legally allowed to terminate a pregnancy in case of rape, there have been instances where the women have been denied the permission to abort by courts ruling the rape as a lesser crime of&nbsp;"sexual coercion".

Mexican&nbsp;President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has been accused of not taking enough steps against the ill treatment of women in the country. In fact, when the Mexican women took to streets in March 2020 to carry out a 'Day Without Women' strike, Obrador blamed the&nbsp;&nbsp;"conservatives" of "putting on the mask of feminism and saying, 'we're going to get rid of the government."&nbsp;

The lack of action and support is due to a 2008 Supreme Court ruling which allowed the states to set their own health policies, following which majority of the states banned abortion in most of the circumstances.

Mexican women are now once again protesting against the new disappointing ruling by the&nbsp;Supreme Court.

Mexico's Supreme Court has rejected an injunction that could have effectively decriminalised termination of child birth in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. The pro-choice campaigners were hoping for a historic ruling but were hugely disappointed when the court ruled against giving women the opportunity to choose.

Mexico's Supreme Court has rejected an injunction that could have effectively decriminalised termination of child birth in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. The pro-choice campaigners were hoping for a historic ruling but were hugely disappointed when the court ruled against giving women the opportunity to choose. In 2019, a judge in Xalapa, Veracruz had passed an injunction asking the state's Congress to remove articles 149, 150 and 154 of the local penal code, which would have decriminalised abortion in the first 12 weeks, of pregnancy, allowed abortions for health-related reasons and would have removed the existing time limit on abortions in cases of rape. Also read: Peru says over 900 girls, women feared dead since pandemic began The changes were recommended in the National Commission to Prevent and Eradicate Violence against Women (Conavim) and the National Institute for Women (InMujeres) back in 2016, and it took more than 3 years for the court to hear the case. However, the decision that came this week has brought huge disappointment and frustration from the women's rights activists of the country who believe that while this decision currently only affects Veracruz, it could have impact in the whole country. Out of 32 states, currently, abortion is only legal in two Mexican states — Oaxaca and Mexico City. Also read: Mexico takes over UK with third highest coronavirus death toll Mexico is infamous for its loosely built rules regarding sexual violence and abortions. While it is legally allowed to terminate a pregnancy in case of rape, there have been instances where the women have been denied the permission to abort by courts ruling the rape as a lesser crime of "sexual coercion". Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has been accused of not taking enough steps against the ill treatment of women in the country. In fact, when the Mexican women took to streets in March 2020 to carry out a 'Day Without Women' strike, Obrador blamed the "conservatives" of "putting on the mask of feminism and saying, 'we're going to get rid of the government." The lack of action and support is due to a 2008 Supreme Court ruling which allowed the states to set their own health policies, following which majority of the states banned abortion in most of the circumstances. Mexican women are now once again protesting against the new disappointing ruling by the Supreme Court.

Mexico Supreme Court rejects proposal to decriminalise abortion

The University of St Andrews in Scotland, one of world’s oldest universities recently became entangled in a controversy.

Over 20 people have claimed to be sexually assaulted or raped on campus, further claiming they were attacked by members of a specific fraternity. Fraternities or sororities are common in US colleges, and are social organisations for students only. They’re also called Greek letter organisations (GLOs). Uncommon in the UK, they're not considered official student bodies in the country.

The accusations were made on an Instagram page titled “St Andres Survivors”. Following the reports, the university has agreed to follow up on the claims, and to work with the police in tracing the perpetrators.

Allegations on multiple fronts

The allegations include physical assault, coercion, and rape which reportedly took place on the campus.

The fraternity in question is an offshoot of US-based group, called “Alpha Epsilon Pi”. The same fraternity has also faced accusations of sexual assault across its chapters in the United States.

<h6><img alt="This undated file photo shows St Andrews, the university town in Fife, Scotland." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="707a0d8d-b01c-4e68-acdc-0515b25c6015" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-6_7.jpg" /> 
This undated file photo shows St Andrews, the university town in Fife, Scotland. | AFP</h6>

Since the allegations came to light, several members of the sorority have been suspended at St Andrews.

The university is the third-oldest English-speaking varsity in the world and is one the top-rated places to study in the globe. The university has been attended by many British royals like Prince William, and Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge.

The university on Monday announced that it had attempted to reach the owner of the Instagram page, while offering assistance in the impending investigations.

A fix-it-all course!

As part of plans to avoid such behaviour in the future, the university will now imbibe a compulsory module on sexual consent.

In a statement, the university said, “We welcome the 'St Andrews Survivors' account's efforts to provide people of all genders a space to voice their experiences of sexual misconduct”.

The administration also pledged support to survivors. "The University's primary concern is to ensure Survivors know that we are ready and willing to support their decisions and take action, facilitate Police reporting, and provide ongoing support accordingly."

The fraternity in question on July 3 had come out with a statement which said that they find the “content of these allegations abhorrent”, while adding that they were taking these allegations seriously.

Their statement further claimed that students who accepted involvement in such incidents have been immediately expelled, with a thorough investigation to follow.

The University of St Andrews in Scotland, one of world’s oldest universities recently became entangled in a controversy. Over 20 people have claimed to be sexually assaulted or raped on campus, further claiming they were attacked by members of a specific fraternity.

The University of St Andrews in Scotland, one of world’s oldest universities recently became entangled in a controversy. Over 20 people have claimed to be sexually assaulted or raped on campus, further claiming they were attacked by members of a specific fraternity. Fraternities or sororities are common in US colleges, and are social organisations for students only. They’re also called Greek letter organisations (GLOs). Uncommon in the UK, they're not considered official student bodies in the country. The accusations were made on an Instagram page titled “St Andres Survivors”. Following the reports, the university has agreed to follow up on the claims, and to work with the police in tracing the perpetrators. Allegations on multiple fronts The allegations include physical assault, coercion, and rape which reportedly took place on the campus. The fraternity in question is an offshoot of US-based group, called “Alpha Epsilon Pi”. The same fraternity has also faced accusations of sexual assault across its chapters in the United States. This undated file photo shows St Andrews, the university town in Fife, Scotland. | AFP Since the allegations came to light, several members of the sorority have been suspended at St Andrews. The university is the third-oldest English-speaking varsity in the world and is one the top-rated places to study in the globe. The university has been attended by many British royals like Prince William, and Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge. The university on Monday announced that it had attempted to reach the owner of the Instagram page, while offering assistance in the impending investigations. A fix-it-all course! As part of plans to avoid such behaviour in the future, the university will now imbibe a compulsory module on sexual consent. In a statement, the university said, “We welcome the 'St Andrews Survivors' account's efforts to provide people of all genders a space to voice their experiences of sexual misconduct”. The administration also pledged support to survivors. "The University's primary concern is to ensure Survivors know that we are ready and willing to support their decisions and take action, facilitate Police reporting, and provide ongoing support accordingly." The fraternity in question on July 3 had come out with a statement which said that they find the “content of these allegations abhorrent”, while adding that they were taking these allegations seriously. Their statement further claimed that students who accepted involvement in such incidents have been immediately expelled, with a thorough investigation to follow.

World's third-oldest English speaking university erupts in controversy after former students allege sexual assault

The Kerala High Court has held that only sexual intercourse "welcomed" by the woman can be accepted as consensual.

"In social reality, sex that is actually desired by a woman is never termed consensual, for when a sexual interaction is equal, consent is not needed and when it is unequal, the consent cannot make it equal," Justice PB Suresh Kumar said while the high court was hearing an appeal filed by a 59-year-old man who was accused of raping a 14-year-old neighbour girl several times at his house and impregnating her.

"It is settled law that mere act of helpless resignation cannot be deemed to be consent for rape, the court said citing 1958 and 2003 decisions of the Supreme Court (in Rao Harnarain Singh Sheoji Singh Vs. State and Uday Vs State of Karnataka)," Justice Kumar said.

The incidents took place in 2009 and the POCSO Act had not come into being. The high court upheld his conviction and dismissed the appeal.

At the high court, the accused had contended that the relationship was consensual as the girl had come to his house several times after the first encounter and had sex with him.

The girl had deposed that she did so out of fear that her mother and sister would be harmed.

The Kerala High Court has held that only sexual intercourse "welcomed" by the woman can be accepted as consensual. "In social reality, sex that is actually desired by a woman is never termed consensual, for when a sexual interaction is equal, consent is not needed and when it is unequal, the consent cannot make it equal," Justice PB Suresh Kumar said while the high court was hearing an appeal filed by a 59-year-old man who was accused of raping a 14-year-old neighbour girl several times at his house and impregnating her.

The Kerala High Court has held that only sexual intercourse "welcomed" by the woman can be accepted as consensual. "In social reality, sex that is actually desired by a woman is never termed consensual, for when a sexual interaction is equal, consent is not needed and when it is unequal, the consent cannot make it equal," Justice PB Suresh Kumar said while the high court was hearing an appeal filed by a 59-year-old man who was accused of raping a 14-year-old neighbour girl several times at his house and impregnating her. "It is settled law that mere act of helpless resignation cannot be deemed to be consent for rape, the court said citing 1958 and 2003 decisions of the Supreme Court (in Rao Harnarain Singh Sheoji Singh Vs. State and Uday Vs State of Karnataka)," Justice Kumar said. The incidents took place in 2009 and the POCSO Act had not come into being. The high court upheld his conviction and dismissed the appeal. At the high court, the accused had contended that the relationship was consensual as the girl had come to his house several times after the first encounter and had sex with him. The girl had deposed that she did so out of fear that her mother and sister would be harmed.

Only sexual intercourse 'welcomed' by woman can be accepted as consensual: Kerala high court

Sevdalin Atanasov, a Turkish national, has been sentenced to 13 years of prison for raping a&nbsp;woman at knifepoint in her bedroom in north London.

The man was known to a flatmate of the victim,&nbsp;and had agreed to let him spend the night at the property.

The victim, however, woke up in the middle of the night&nbsp;to find the man in her bedroom with his hand over her mouth.&nbsp;He was holding a knife to her throat and threatened to kill her throughout the attack.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/officer-charged-with-murder-of-floyd-still-eligible-for-1-million-pension-305498">Also read:&nbsp;Officer charged with murder of Floyd still eligible for $1 million pension</a>

The victim managed to flee to her friend's house nearby, where the friend called the police.

Atanasov had denied the offence, but later plead guilty&nbsp;after forensic evidence of the assault was presented in the court.

The police has thanked the victim for her full cooperation and has also appreciated her for staying brave and thinking on the spot.

(With inputs from agencies)

Sevdalin Atanasov, a Turkish national, has been sentenced to 13 years of prison for raping a woman at knifepoint in her bedroom in north London. The man was known to a flatmate of the victim, and had agreed to let him spend the night at the property.

Sevdalin Atanasov, a Turkish national, has been sentenced to 13 years of prison for raping a woman at knifepoint in her bedroom in north London. The man was known to a flatmate of the victim, and had agreed to let him spend the night at the property. The victim, however, woke up in the middle of the night to find the man in her bedroom with his hand over her mouth. He was holding a knife to her throat and threatened to kill her throughout the attack. Also read: Officer charged with murder of Floyd still eligible for $1 million pension The victim managed to flee to her friend's house nearby, where the friend called the police. Atanasov had denied the offence, but later plead guilty after forensic evidence of the assault was presented in the court. The police has thanked the victim for her full cooperation and has also appreciated her for staying brave and thinking on the spot. (With inputs from agencies)

UK: Man jailed for 13 years for raping a woman on knifepoint

An American blogger and former social media strategist of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has accused a former interior minister and former prime minister of rape and sexual assault -- through Facebook lives and a series of Twitter posts -- even as the former official has&nbsp;denied charges.

Cynthia D. Ritchie, who shifted to Pakistan from America in 2010, revealed the details and the threats&nbsp;through a Facebook live video.&nbsp;(The user has advised for parental&nbsp;guidance, and has mentioned trigger warning)

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Cynthia D. Ritchie first visited Pakistan in 2009. She claims to have been&nbsp;invited by then Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani and then Interior Minister Rehman Malik to help in building Pakistan’s image. She said she was a communications consultant to the PPP.&nbsp;

As things were going well, she shifted to Pakistan towards the end of 2010, and now resides in Islamabad.

However, things were not all rosy for her in this long journey, she claims. She has accused&nbsp;Rehman Malik of raping her in 2011, after lacing her drink with sedatives. She also accused former Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani and former health minister Makhdoom Shahabuddin of physically manhandling her inside the President’s House in Islamabad.

Pakistan was then under the government of&nbsp;Asif Ali Zardari.

However, former prime minister Gilani has denied the charges, and has called the allegations a form of&nbsp;"humiliation and disgrace". He has further accused Cynthia of maligning him&nbsp;because his two sons had filed a defamation case against her for her allegedly defamatory tweet against late Benazir Bhutto.&nbsp;

The other two ministers have not yet replied to the accusations.

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Occurred at IM's house in min enclave 2011 around the OBL incident. I thought it a meeting about my visa but I was given flowers/ a drugged drink. I kept quiet - who in PPP gov't would help me against PPP IM? 
 
Recently they attacked family; I've had it. Ready to face any accuser <a href="https://t.co/KkGSKTERQs">https://t.co/KkGSKTERQs</a>
— Cynthia D. Ritchie (@CynthiaDRitchie) <a href="https://twitter.com/CynthiaDRitchie/status/1268921048822661125?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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As she went live on Facebook on Friday, she backed her accusations by providing details and sequences of the events listed in her video. She also claimed to possess evidence in form on screenshots, text messages and call recordings. “I will be happy to go into more detail with an appropriate, neutral, and investigative journalist,” she said.

While she has not revealed the evidence and proof yet, she has assured that she will soon be revealing all of the mentioned evidence in a week or two. However, she did upload screenshots of her WhatsApp conversation with Nasir Rashid Baralvi, Secretary Information, PPP, UAE, after filing a report against him in the UAE.

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Thanks to those who helped in filing a report against this <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PPP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PPP</a> worker in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UAE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UAE</a>. I will fully cooperate with all authorities to ensure justice is done. <a href="https://t.co/U4FOhc8XBc">pic.twitter.com/U4FOhc8XBc</a>
— Cynthia D. Ritchie (@CynthiaDRitchie) <a href="https://twitter.com/CynthiaDRitchie/status/1269130781332590593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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She also claimed to have complained to the US Embassy in 2011. However, "due to 'fluid' situation and 'complex' relations between US and Pakistan, response was less than adequate."

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And, yes, I did tell someone at the UsEmb in 2011, but due to 'fluid' situation and 'complex' relations between US and Pakistan, response was less than adequate. 
 
I've been engaged to a wonderful man who I met in 🇵🇰. He encouraged me to speak out, so we can move on as a couple. <a href="https://t.co/PpfdF9Fuib">https://t.co/PpfdF9Fuib</a>
— Cynthia D. Ritchie (@CynthiaDRitchie) <a href="https://twitter.com/CynthiaDRitchie/status/1268923253025882113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Revelations pour in

This is not the first shocking news that Cynthia has revealed. While this is a personal tragedy for her, she has also revealed images of members and leaders of PPP in situations which are not considered to be idle in "Muslim community".

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Is this <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PPP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PPP</a> MNA Ramesh Lal throwing money that belongs to the poor people of Sindh on Senior Minister PPP Nisar Khuhro? 
 
Politicians are elected and answerable to the public. Can someone be honest with his constituency if he throws poor people's money? Also, Article 62(1)(F). <a href="https://t.co/bTlly1eNqd">pic.twitter.com/bTlly1eNqd</a>
— Cynthia D. Ritchie (@CynthiaDRitchie) <a href="https://twitter.com/CynthiaDRitchie/status/1268508497756463104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The freelance filmmaker and social media strategist had also&nbsp;posted parts of the book “Indecent Correspondence: Secret sex life of Benazir Bhutto" on Twitter. She highlighted the parts of the book which reveal details of private lives of Benazir Bhutto, her son and current PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto and senior party leader Sherry Rehman.

She also accused the late Benazir Bhutto of letting her guards rape women and made some disturbing accusations of the late&nbsp;leader's sex life. She also revealed a receipt of an adult toys store and&nbsp;challenged senior PPP leader Sherry Rehman to prove her allegations to be false.

While she claims to "have a lot of&nbsp;dirt on a lot of people in this country”, she has also accused PPP of sending rape and death threats to her, her friends and family. In her live video, she also mentioned that few party workers contacted her sisters who 'naively' revealed her location as they were unaware of the situation.

(With inputs from agencies)

An American blogger and former social media strategist of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has accused a former interior minister and former prime minister of rape and sexual assault -- through Facebook lives and a series of Twitter posts -- even as the former official has denied charges.

An American blogger and former social media strategist of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has accused a former interior minister and former prime minister of rape and sexual assault -- through Facebook lives and a series of Twitter posts -- even as the former official has denied charges. Cynthia D. Ritchie, who shifted to Pakistan from America in 2010, revealed the details and the threats through a Facebook live video. (The user has advised for parental guidance, and has mentioned trigger warning) × Cynthia D. Ritchie first visited Pakistan in 2009. She claims to have been invited by then Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani and then Interior Minister Rehman Malik to help in building Pakistan’s image. She said she was a communications consultant to the PPP. As things were going well, she shifted to Pakistan towards the end of 2010, and now resides in Islamabad. However, things were not all rosy for her in this long journey, she claims. She has accused Rehman Malik of raping her in 2011, after lacing her drink with sedatives. She also accused former Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani and former health minister Makhdoom Shahabuddin of physically manhandling her inside the President’s House in Islamabad. Pakistan was then under the government of Asif Ali Zardari. However, former prime minister Gilani has denied the charges, and has called the allegations a form of "humiliation and disgrace". He has further accused Cynthia of maligning him because his two sons had filed a defamation case against her for her allegedly defamatory tweet against late Benazir Bhutto. The other two ministers have not yet replied to the accusations. Occurred at IM's house in min enclave 2011 around the OBL incident. I thought it a meeting about my visa but I was given flowers/ a drugged drink. I kept quiet - who in PPP gov't would help me against PPP IM? Recently they attacked family; I've had it. Ready to face any accuser https://t.co/KkGSKTERQs — Cynthia D. Ritchie (@CynthiaDRitchie) June 5, 2020 × As she went live on Facebook on Friday, she backed her accusations by providing details and sequences of the events listed in her video. She also claimed to possess evidence in form on screenshots, text messages and call recordings. “I will be happy to go into more detail with an appropriate, neutral, and investigative journalist,” she said. While she has not revealed the evidence and proof yet, she has assured that she will soon be revealing all of the mentioned evidence in a week or two. However, she did upload screenshots of her WhatsApp conversation with Nasir Rashid Baralvi, Secretary Information, PPP, UAE, after filing a report against him in the UAE. Thanks to those who helped in filing a report against this #PPP worker in #UAE. I will fully cooperate with all authorities to ensure justice is done. pic.twitter.com/U4FOhc8XBc — Cynthia D. Ritchie (@CynthiaDRitchie) June 6, 2020 × She also claimed to have complained to the US Embassy in 2011. However, "due to 'fluid' situation and 'complex' relations between US and Pakistan, response was less than adequate." And, yes, I did tell someone at the UsEmb in 2011, but due to 'fluid' situation and 'complex' relations between US and Pakistan, response was less than adequate. I've been engaged to a wonderful man who I met in 🇵🇰. He encouraged me to speak out, so we can move on as a couple. https://t.co/PpfdF9Fuib — Cynthia D. Ritchie (@CynthiaDRitchie) June 5, 2020 × Revelations pour in This is not the first shocking news that Cynthia has revealed. While this is a personal tragedy for her, she has also revealed images of members and leaders of PPP in situations which are not considered to be idle in "Muslim community". Is this #PPP MNA Ramesh Lal throwing money that belongs to the poor people of Sindh on Senior Minister PPP Nisar Khuhro? Politicians are elected and answerable to the public. Can someone be honest with his constituency if he throws poor people's money? Also, Article 62(1)(F). pic.twitter.com/bTlly1eNqd — Cynthia D. Ritchie (@CynthiaDRitchie) June 4, 2020 × The freelance filmmaker and social media strategist had also posted parts of the book “Indecent Correspondence: Secret sex life of Benazir Bhutto" on Twitter. She highlighted the parts of the book which reveal details of private lives of Benazir Bhutto, her son and current PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto and senior party leader Sherry Rehman. She also accused the late Benazir Bhutto of letting her guards rape women and made some disturbing accusations of the late leader's sex life. She also revealed a receipt of an adult toys store and challenged senior PPP leader Sherry Rehman to prove her allegations to be false. While she claims to "have a lot of dirt on a lot of people in this country”, she has also accused PPP of sending rape and death threats to her, her friends and family. In her live video, she also mentioned that few party workers contacted her sisters who 'naively' revealed her location as they were unaware of the situation. (With inputs from agencies)

American blogger accuses Pakistan's Zardari govt officials of rape, harassment; former minister denies charges

Something felt really weird, when my good friend J, who was 11 years old, told me that he and his grandfather were in love since 2 years, and they both kissed and had sex every night.

Though same age as him, I just knew sex was something that happened between an aspirant father and a mother, also husband and a wife, provided former had a penis and latter a vagina. Turned out, I knew so little - my knowledgeable friend that day, passionately explained to me much more, straight out of his experience. And gave me my first - sex education.

The old man died after a few months. And J was sad. Like really sad. But he was mourning two people - his grandfather and a lover.

Talkative J no longer spoke much, his grades tumbled down. He had changed.&nbsp;

Years went by, life took us to different places, our paths only crossed during holidays. The last time we met, I saw fresh cut marks all over his arms – like he was inflicting upon himself - when I asked him about it, he lightly replied “Kind of a tattoo I like.” Concerned, I suggested him to get a tetanus shot, but wish I knew what depression was.

&nbsp;There were also rumours that he had started taking drugs. Exactly one month before his 17th birthday, 10 years ago, J died of an overdose. Many say it was suicide.

A painful lump suffocates my throat each time I realise that my first lesson on sex, was a very disturbing, first-hand testimony of an innocent juvenile, who was tricked and raped for two years inside his own home.

Perhaps this story would have been something different today, had our super conservative Indian society taught us the difference between a good touch and a bad touch. Meaningful movies, to explain that sexual violence not only happens to females but any human in general, but most importantly – sexual assaults need not necessarily have to look violent.

Much later did I get to know that even if a victim doesn’t contract deadly STDs like HIV or Hepatitis B, sexual assaults of any kind is life-threatening, the mental trauma can trigger a lot of clinical conditions like anxiety, depression, PTSD and most survivors suffer from low self-esteem, shock and confusion, their entire lives.

Yet, every single day, tens of thousands of people around the world are sexually assaulted, irrespective of their gender, age, nationality or physical strength – and even though we bluntly categorise each sexual assault as “sexual” – experts claim, the perpetrator’s motive isn’t necessarily always about sex.

Activists and educators amongst us are really worried right now, and we should because the numbers of sexual violence have been climbing drastically during this pandemic, and with financial distress that’s following and will continue, it’s only going to get worse.

Hence now is the best time to discuss our next steps. But first, it’s important to discard outdated stigmas and look into this matter fresh, like a modern generation from the 21st century.

Solution is simple.

Lesser the number of perpetrators less will be the number of assaults. But what turns a normal looking human into a sexual predator?

I summarize three common reasons;

Intoxicants – we don’t need explanations or examples to associate intoxication with sexual or any other type of violence in general. Intoxicants, especially alcohol has the tendency to bring out the worst in humans hence responsible consumption in a secure environment is really important.

Ignorance &amp; Social Conditioning - Something we Indians understand at its core because, while first-world nations talk about gender pay, women employment, consent, etc. – rural India (Sometimes urban) still struggles with 20th-century problems like female education, female infanticide and child marriages to name a few – hence sociologists are correct when they blame various socio-economic factors like patriarchy, illiteracy, low income, Etc. as the significant contributors behind high rates of violence, particularly on females.

Deliberation – This category is what worries me the most - Paedophiles, repeat offenders, educated rapists who seem to be much more than just a weak product of a struggling society. Perfect shapeshifters, we can come in any form – from grandfather to Oscar-winning film producer, husband, boss, cousin, family doctor, teacher – anyone and everyone can be a sex predator in disguise.

Yet, little J makes me ask a challenging question;

Can we commit ourselves to lower global sexual violence rates as compared to numbers from the last decade? The phrase “Global Pandemic” tells me – we actually can!

Since nations everywhere are struggling with high rates of sexual violence&nbsp;- ordeal is the same no matter which country a victim belongs to - sex and sexuality still remains the greatest taboo of our times. It’s only rational to highlight this matter as a global crisis&nbsp;immediately.

I am confident, a new light of awareness will brighten our world, the moment the UN includes Sexual Violence on its official list of global issues alongside climate change, gender equality, migration, etc. and to ensure sexual violence is correctly perceived as a threat against any human, alert nations, and encourage victims of all genders to speak up and file complaints.

When combating sexual violence is prioritised by deeming it gender-neutral, certain governments may finally understand why biased laws like “marry your rapist” are embarrassingly irrational and a total injustice against females.

While officially uniting the world against sexual violence may catalyze change by altering geographical and gender-biased perceptions, it’s still not enough to tackle perpetrators who deliberately commit sex crimes.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
And hence, I plead more victims to speak up and report so that the world can devise ways to completely contain this ancient disease once and for all. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

Something felt really weird, when my good friend J, who was 11 years old, told me that he and his grandfather were in love since 2 years, and they both kissed and had sex every night.

Something felt really weird, when my good friend J, who was 11 years old, told me that he and his grandfather were in love since 2 years, and they both kissed and had sex every night. Though same age as him, I just knew sex was something that happened between an aspirant father and a mother, also husband and a wife, provided former had a penis and latter a vagina. Turned out, I knew so little - my knowledgeable friend that day, passionately explained to me much more, straight out of his experience. And gave me my first - sex education. The old man died after a few months. And J was sad. Like really sad. But he was mourning two people - his grandfather and a lover. Talkative J no longer spoke much, his grades tumbled down. He had changed. Years went by, life took us to different places, our paths only crossed during holidays. The last time we met, I saw fresh cut marks all over his arms – like he was inflicting upon himself - when I asked him about it, he lightly replied “Kind of a tattoo I like.” Concerned, I suggested him to get a tetanus shot, but wish I knew what depression was. There were also rumours that he had started taking drugs. Exactly one month before his 17th birthday, 10 years ago, J died of an overdose. Many say it was suicide. A painful lump suffocates my throat each time I realise that my first lesson on sex, was a very disturbing, first-hand testimony of an innocent juvenile, who was tricked and raped for two years inside his own home. Perhaps this story would have been something different today, had our super conservative Indian society taught us the difference between a good touch and a bad touch. Meaningful movies, to explain that sexual violence not only happens to females but any human in general, but most importantly – sexual assaults need not necessarily have to look violent. Much later did I get to know that even if a victim doesn’t contract deadly STDs like HIV or Hepatitis B, sexual assaults of any kind is life-threatening, the mental trauma can trigger a lot of clinical conditions like anxiety, depression, PTSD and most survivors suffer from low self-esteem, shock and confusion, their entire lives. Yet, every single day, tens of thousands of people around the world are sexually assaulted, irrespective of their gender, age, nationality or physical strength – and even though we bluntly categorise each sexual assault as “sexual” – experts claim, the perpetrator’s motive isn’t necessarily always about sex. Activists and educators amongst us are really worried right now, and we should because the numbers of sexual violence have been climbing drastically during this pandemic, and with financial distress that’s following and will continue, it’s only going to get worse. Hence now is the best time to discuss our next steps. But first, it’s important to discard outdated stigmas and look into this matter fresh, like a modern generation from the 21st century. Solution is simple. Lesser the number of perpetrators less will be the number of assaults. But what turns a normal looking human into a sexual predator? I summarize three common reasons; Intoxicants – we don’t need explanations or examples to associate intoxication with sexual or any other type of violence in general. Intoxicants, especially alcohol has the tendency to bring out the worst in humans hence responsible consumption in a secure environment is really important. Ignorance & Social Conditioning - Something we Indians understand at its core because, while first-world nations talk about gender pay, women employment, consent, etc. – rural India (Sometimes urban) still struggles with 20th-century problems like female education, female infanticide and child marriages to name a few – hence sociologists are correct when they blame various socio-economic factors like patriarchy, illiteracy, low income, Etc. as the significant contributors behind high rates of violence, particularly on females. Deliberation – This category is what worries me the most - Paedophiles, repeat offenders, educated rapists who seem to be much more than just a weak product of a struggling society. Perfect shapeshifters, we can come in any form – from grandfather to Oscar-winning film producer, husband, boss, cousin, family doctor, teacher – anyone and everyone can be a sex predator in disguise. Yet, little J makes me ask a challenging question; Can we commit ourselves to lower global sexual violence rates as compared to numbers from the last decade? The phrase “Global Pandemic” tells me – we actually can! Since nations everywhere are struggling with high rates of sexual violence - ordeal is the same no matter which country a victim belongs to - sex and sexuality still remains the greatest taboo of our times. It’s only rational to highlight this matter as a global crisis immediately. I am confident, a new light of awareness will brighten our world, the moment the UN includes Sexual Violence on its official list of global issues alongside climate change, gender equality, migration, etc. and to ensure sexual violence is correctly perceived as a threat against any human, alert nations, and encourage victims of all genders to speak up and file complaints. When combating sexual violence is prioritised by deeming it gender-neutral, certain governments may finally understand why biased laws like “marry your rapist” are embarrassingly irrational and a total injustice against females. While officially uniting the world against sexual violence may catalyze change by altering geographical and gender-biased perceptions, it’s still not enough to tackle perpetrators who deliberately commit sex crimes. And hence, I plead more victims to speak up and report so that the world can devise ways to completely contain this ancient disease once and for all. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Combating sexual violence as a global concern

In a recent case,&nbsp;a judge of the Orissa High Court has shockingly observed that indulgence in sexual intercourse on false promise of marriage does not amount to rape.

Justice S K Panigrahi, last week, made the statement as he allowed a bail application of a rape accused, setting aside a lower court order.

He also raised questions about whether rape laws should be used to regulate intimate relationships, especially in cases where women enter into a relationship by choice.

A 19-year-old girl had filed a case against a young man and had alleged that she was in an intimate physical relationship with the man under the promise of getting married to him. She also accused the man of asking her to terminate multiple pregnancies during these four years.

The case was registered in the Koraput district of Odisha in November 2019. The accused was then arrested and had been serving jail time for the past six months.

While, in his sentence, Justice Panigrahi stated "a consensual relationship without even any assurance obviously will not attract the offence under Section 376 of the IPC (rape)", he also brought light that rape laws often fail to address the plight of socially-disadvantaged and poor victims, who get lured into sex by men on false promise of marriage.

The accused has been granted the application of bail, on the condition of proper cooperation with the prosecution, and an assurance that the accused will not threaten or harm the victim.

(With inputs from PTI)

In a recent case, a judge of the Orissa High Court has shockingly observed that indulgence in sexual intercourse on false promise of marriage does not amount to rape.

In a recent case, a judge of the Orissa High Court has shockingly observed that indulgence in sexual intercourse on false promise of marriage does not amount to rape. Justice S K Panigrahi, last week, made the statement as he allowed a bail application of a rape accused, setting aside a lower court order. He also raised questions about whether rape laws should be used to regulate intimate relationships, especially in cases where women enter into a relationship by choice. A 19-year-old girl had filed a case against a young man and had alleged that she was in an intimate physical relationship with the man under the promise of getting married to him. She also accused the man of asking her to terminate multiple pregnancies during these four years. The case was registered in the Koraput district of Odisha in November 2019. The accused was then arrested and had been serving jail time for the past six months. While, in his sentence, Justice Panigrahi stated "a consensual relationship without even any assurance obviously will not attract the offence under Section 376 of the IPC (rape)", he also brought light that rape laws often fail to address the plight of socially-disadvantaged and poor victims, who get lured into sex by men on false promise of marriage. The accused has been granted the application of bail, on the condition of proper cooperation with the prosecution, and an assurance that the accused will not threaten or harm the victim. (With inputs from PTI)

Sex on false promise of marriage not rape: Orissa High Court

A new confession has come up in one of the most brutal serial killings in South Korea. Ten women were raped and brutally killed in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, between 1986 and 1991.

After years, a South Korean man has confessed to the murder of the women from these infamous killings, alongwith murder of few other women.&nbsp;

However, the local police has stated that the confessor will not face any prosecution. The man, who is in his 50s, is already serving a life sentence in the prison&nbsp;for raping and killing a younger sister of his wife.

In April, the local police stated that they believed they have identified the man behind the most brutal serial killings. The police has now announced that the suspect confessed to nine of those murders, and has also confessed to&nbsp;additional five murders and about 30 sexual assaults.

One of the 10 Hwaseong deaths is now believed to be a copycat murder, the official said.

The suspect was being questioned for some time now, however he changed his attitude in the last one week and gave a detailed explanation of the murders. The Gyeonggi South Provincial Police Agency said even though the suspect has confessed to the murders, they will be now re-investigating the claims to make sure the confession is true.

"Naturally, the police must investigate the crimes," the police official said. "It is an important case that had prompted questions all over Korea."

"The victims and their families had strongly demanded (the truth). No matter how much time has passed, uncovering what really happened is the reason police exist."

The families of the victims will not be able to file a civil suit against the confessor as according to South Korean laws, a civil la can only be filed within 10 years of the crime.

&nbsp;

A new confession has come up in one of the most brutal serial killings in South Korea. Ten women were raped and brutally killed in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, between 1986 and 1991.

A new confession has come up in one of the most brutal serial killings in South Korea. Ten women were raped and brutally killed in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, between 1986 and 1991. After years, a South Korean man has confessed to the murder of the women from these infamous killings, alongwith murder of few other women. However, the local police has stated that the confessor will not face any prosecution. The man, who is in his 50s, is already serving a life sentence in the prison for raping and killing a younger sister of his wife. In April, the local police stated that they believed they have identified the man behind the most brutal serial killings. The police has now announced that the suspect confessed to nine of those murders, and has also confessed to additional five murders and about 30 sexual assaults. One of the 10 Hwaseong deaths is now believed to be a copycat murder, the official said. The suspect was being questioned for some time now, however he changed his attitude in the last one week and gave a detailed explanation of the murders. The Gyeonggi South Provincial Police Agency said even though the suspect has confessed to the murders, they will be now re-investigating the claims to make sure the confession is true. "Naturally, the police must investigate the crimes," the police official said. "It is an important case that had prompted questions all over Korea." "The victims and their families had strongly demanded (the truth). No matter how much time has passed, uncovering what really happened is the reason police exist." The families of the victims will not be able to file a civil suit against the confessor as according to South Korean laws, a civil la can only be filed within 10 years of the crime.

South Korean man confesses to Hwaseong murders; won't be prosecuted

Muhimman proudly writes his name slowly, carefully, one letter at a time, grinning broadly as he finishes. He's just 11 years old and was a good student who had dreams of being a doctor.

School frightens him now. Earlier this year, a cleric at the religious school he faithfully attended in the southern Punjab town of Pakpattan took him into a washroom and tried to rape him.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-tablighi-jamaats-faisalabad-head-dies-of-coronavirus-over-1100-infected-in-punjab-29324">Pakistan: Tablighi Jamaat's Faisalabad head dies of coronavirus; over 1,100 infected in Punjab</a>

Muhimman's aunt, Shazia, who wanted only her first name used, said she believes the abuse of young children is endemic in Pakistan's religious schools. She said she has known the cleric, Moeed Shah since she was a little girl and describes him as a habitual abuser who used to ask little girls to pull up their shirts.

He has done wrong with boys and also with two or three girls,&nbsp;Shazia said, recalling one girl the cleric brutalized so badly he broke her back.

An investigation by The Associated Press found dozens of police reports, known here as First Information Reports, alleging sexual harassment, rape and physical abuse by Islamic clerics teaching in madrassas or religious schools throughout Pakistan, where many of the country's poorest study.

There are more than 22,000 registered madrassas in Pakistan, teaching more than 2 million children. But there are many more religious schools that are unregistered.

They are typically started by a local cleric in a poor neighborhood, attracting students with a promise of a meal and free lodging. There is no central body of clerics that governs madrassas. Nor is there a central authority that can investigate or respond to allegations of abuse by clerics, unlike the Catholic Church, which has a clear hierarchy topped by the Vatican.

The government of Prime Minister Imran Khan has promised to modernize the curriculum and make the madrassas more accountable, but there is little oversight.

Police say the problem of sexual abuse of children by clerics is pervasive and the scores of police reports they have received are just the tip of the iceberg. Yet despite the dozens of reports, none have resulted in the conviction of a cleric. Religious clerics are a powerful group in Pakistan and they close ranks when allegations of abuse are brought against one of them. They have been able to hide the widespread abuse by accusing victims of blasphemy or defamation of Islam.

Families in Pakistan are often coerced into "forgiving"&nbsp;clerics, said Deputy Police Superintendent Sadiq Baloch, speaking in his office in the country's northwest, toward the border with Afghanistan.

Overcome by shame and fear that the stigma of being sexually abused will follow a child into adulthood, families choose instead to drop the charges, he said. Most often, when a family forgives the cleric the investigation ends because the charges are dropped.

"It is the hypocrisy of some of these mullahs, who wear the long beard and take on the cloak of piety only to do these horrible acts behind closed doors, while openly they criticize those who are clean shaven, who are liberal and open minded,"&nbsp;Baloch said. "In our society so many of these men, who say they are religious, are involved in these immoral activities."

Police officials say they have no idea how many children are abused by religious clerics in Pakistan. The officials said clerics often target young boys who have not yet reached puberty in part because of the restrictive nature of Pakistan's still mostly conservative society, where male interaction with girls and women is unacceptable. The clerics, for the most part, had access to and trust with boys, who are less likely to report a sexual assault.

Eight-year-old Yaous from Pakistan's remote northern Kohistan region is one of those boys.

Yaous is small for his eight years. His features are slight. In an interview with the AP, with his uncle interpreting, Yaous' tiny body shivered as he told of his ordeal.

"It was so cold. I didn't understand why he was taking my warm clothes off,"&nbsp;Yaous said, his voice was barely a whisper.

As Yaous remembered what happened, he buried his head deeper into his jacket. The cleric grabbed a stick, he said. It was small, maybe about 12 inches. The first few sharp slaps stung.

"The pain made me scream and cry, but he wouldn't stop,"&nbsp;Yaous said. The boy was held prisoner for two days, raped repeatedly until he was so sick the cleric feared he would die and took him to the hospital.

At the hospital, Dr. Faisal Manan Salarzai said Yaous screamed each time he tried to approach him. Yaous was so small and frail looking, Salarzai called him the "baby".&nbsp;"The baby was having a lot of bruises on his body"&nbsp;on his head, on his chest, on his legs, so many bruises on other parts of his body,"&nbsp;Salarzai said.

Suspicious, Salarzai ordered Yaous moved to the isolation ward where he examined him, suspecting he had been sexually assaulted. The examination revealed brutal and repetitive assaults.

The cleric was arrested and is now in jail. Police have matched his DNA samples to those found on Yaous. But despite the arrest, fellow clerics and worshippers at the Madrassah-e-Taleem-ul-Quran mosque located in a remote region of northwest Pakistan dispute the charges. They say Shamsuddin is innocent, the victim of anti-Islamic elements in the country.

Yaous' father, Abdul Qayyum, said he was ashamed he had not spoken to his son in more than three months before the attack happened.

"I want this mullah hanged. Nothing else will do," Qayyum said. 
&nbsp;

Muhimman proudly writes his name slowly, carefully, one letter at a time, grinning broadly as he finishes. He's just 11 years old and was a good student who had dreams of being a doctor.

Muhimman proudly writes his name slowly, carefully, one letter at a time, grinning broadly as he finishes. He's just 11 years old and was a good student who had dreams of being a doctor. School frightens him now. Earlier this year, a cleric at the religious school he faithfully attended in the southern Punjab town of Pakpattan took him into a washroom and tried to rape him. Also read | Pakistan: Tablighi Jamaat's Faisalabad head dies of coronavirus; over 1,100 infected in Punjab Muhimman's aunt, Shazia, who wanted only her first name used, said she believes the abuse of young children is endemic in Pakistan's religious schools. She said she has known the cleric, Moeed Shah since she was a little girl and describes him as a habitual abuser who used to ask little girls to pull up their shirts. He has done wrong with boys and also with two or three girls, Shazia said, recalling one girl the cleric brutalized so badly he broke her back. An investigation by The Associated Press found dozens of police reports, known here as First Information Reports, alleging sexual harassment, rape and physical abuse by Islamic clerics teaching in madrassas or religious schools throughout Pakistan, where many of the country's poorest study. There are more than 22,000 registered madrassas in Pakistan, teaching more than 2 million children. But there are many more religious schools that are unregistered. They are typically started by a local cleric in a poor neighborhood, attracting students with a promise of a meal and free lodging. There is no central body of clerics that governs madrassas. Nor is there a central authority that can investigate or respond to allegations of abuse by clerics, unlike the Catholic Church, which has a clear hierarchy topped by the Vatican. The government of Prime Minister Imran Khan has promised to modernize the curriculum and make the madrassas more accountable, but there is little oversight. Police say the problem of sexual abuse of children by clerics is pervasive and the scores of police reports they have received are just the tip of the iceberg. Yet despite the dozens of reports, none have resulted in the conviction of a cleric. Religious clerics are a powerful group in Pakistan and they close ranks when allegations of abuse are brought against one of them. They have been able to hide the widespread abuse by accusing victims of blasphemy or defamation of Islam. Families in Pakistan are often coerced into "forgiving" clerics, said Deputy Police Superintendent Sadiq Baloch, speaking in his office in the country's northwest, toward the border with Afghanistan. Overcome by shame and fear that the stigma of being sexually abused will follow a child into adulthood, families choose instead to drop the charges, he said. Most often, when a family forgives the cleric the investigation ends because the charges are dropped. "It is the hypocrisy of some of these mullahs, who wear the long beard and take on the cloak of piety only to do these horrible acts behind closed doors, while openly they criticize those who are clean shaven, who are liberal and open minded," Baloch said. "In our society so many of these men, who say they are religious, are involved in these immoral activities." Police officials say they have no idea how many children are abused by religious clerics in Pakistan. The officials said clerics often target young boys who have not yet reached puberty in part because of the restrictive nature of Pakistan's still mostly conservative society, where male interaction with girls and women is unacceptable. The clerics, for the most part, had access to and trust with boys, who are less likely to report a sexual assault. Eight-year-old Yaous from Pakistan's remote northern Kohistan region is one of those boys. Yaous is small for his eight years. His features are slight. In an interview with the AP, with his uncle interpreting, Yaous' tiny body shivered as he told of his ordeal. "It was so cold. I didn't understand why he was taking my warm clothes off," Yaous said, his voice was barely a whisper. As Yaous remembered what happened, he buried his head deeper into his jacket. The cleric grabbed a stick, he said. It was small, maybe about 12 inches. The first few sharp slaps stung. "The pain made me scream and cry, but he wouldn't stop," Yaous said. The boy was held prisoner for two days, raped repeatedly until he was so sick the cleric feared he would die and took him to the hospital. At the hospital, Dr. Faisal Manan Salarzai said Yaous screamed each time he tried to approach him. Yaous was so small and frail looking, Salarzai called him the "baby". "The baby was having a lot of bruises on his body" on his head, on his chest, on his legs, so many bruises on other parts of his body," Salarzai said. Suspicious, Salarzai ordered Yaous moved to the isolation ward where he examined him, suspecting he had been sexually assaulted. The examination revealed brutal and repetitive assaults. The cleric was arrested and is now in jail. Police have matched his DNA samples to those found on Yaous. But despite the arrest, fellow clerics and worshippers at the Madrassah-e-Taleem-ul-Quran mosque located in a remote region of northwest Pakistan dispute the charges. They say Shamsuddin is innocent, the victim of anti-Islamic elements in the country. Yaous' father, Abdul Qayyum, said he was ashamed he had not spoken to his son in more than three months before the attack happened. "I want this mullah hanged. Nothing else will do," Qayyum said.

Child sex abuse in Pakistan's religious schools is endemic

So, they are marching. They are marching in Lahore and in many other Pakistani cities despite being threatened, abused and harassed on social media and otherwise.

They are marching in Lahore holding placards with the picture of the late Asma Jehangir, an icon and the symbol of the fight against human rights abuses in Pakistan.

And they are marching shouting the slogan which with any evidence touched a raw nerve for a still patriarchal society: "Mera Jism, Meri Marzi", (my body my choice).

That reminds me of what we were shouting during the seventies in the streets of Italy: "Il corpo e mio e lo gestisco io" (The body is mine, and I`ll do what I want with it). Our other slogan was: "Tremble, Tremble, Witches are back". Because, for a patriarchal society, and unfortunately not only for that, an assertive woman is, of course, a witch, a prostitute, a danger for society and for the holy institution of the family.

An assertive, strong, independent woman is a threat for both patriarchal and religious institutions because she does not allow her life and her consciousness to be ruled by priests or mullahs or men.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/coronavirus-may-cause-61-million-loss-to-pakistan-adb-284934">&nbsp;Coronavirus may cause $61 million loss to Pakistan: ADB</a>

But, unlike us during the seventies, women, and girls of Pakistan, the ones marching and the ones still without a voice, are facing more, much more than being insulted or undermined and that`s why they are marching.

Reports, in fact, both national and international, more than reports look like war news. In the 2019 Women, Peace and Security Index, Pakistan ranked 164 out of 167 countries, only above Syria, Afghanistan and Yemen, and worst among nine South Asian countries on access to mobile phones, financial inclusion, and discriminatory norms for women.

According to Amnesty International, who released a statement supporting the Aurat March: "Women in Pakistan are consistently deprived of education, justice, health care, political representation, and economic opportunities. They live under the constant threat of violence". And "the threats of violence, intimidation, and harassment being hurled at marchers who are merely demanding their due rights underscores the necessity of the Aurat March".

According to the same Amnesty statement: "In the World Economic Forum`s Global Gender Gap Index Report 2020, Pakistan ranked 151 out of 153 countries, indicating a dismal record on human rights for women. It charts at the very bottom of the seven South Asian countries included in the Index".

Human Rights Watch maintains that "violence against women and girls -- including rape, so-called honour killings, acid attacks, domestic violence, and forced marriage -- remains a serious problem" in Pakistan.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/central-asia/womens-rights-activists-attacked-then-detained-in-kyrgyzstan-285086">Women's rights activists attacked then detained in Kyrgyzstan</a>

Around 12.2 million girls, compared with 10.6 million boys, remain out of school in the country because of poverty compounding challenges related to girls` educational opportunities.

Less-educated girls marry young, become mothers at an early age, and often face health challenges throughout their lives.

Women around the country have to face domestic violence, rape, honour killings, being thrown acid at, kidnapping and enforced disappearances. Especially in regions like KPK or Balochistan.

"The Baloch women not only have to deal with a regressive society and a regressive state but also with a brutal, repressive state which denies them and the men of their nation of rights which are thought acceptable for others. The fallout of the brutality of the state affects the women even more than it does the men" says Mir Mohammed Talpur, a very well known intellectual.

There have been several cases of women being abducted, detained and tortured, used as sex slaves by military personnel and then thrown away when they were tired of playing with them.

Watch:&nbsp;

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However, is difficult to get numbers because, as it always happens in these cases, women feel ashamed and scared and don`t want to disclose their misery.

Recently HRW issued a warning over the role of police in sexual violence cases, with officers both committing offences themselves and harassing and intimidating those who made allegations, not only in Balochistan but all over the country.

After the insults and the intimidations, Analyst Marvi Sirmed has been once more insulted live on TV and her private cellphone contacts have been put on social media after they tried to stop the march with Court orders, now many politicians are jumping on the boat of freedom and are congratulating "daughters and sisters" for their determination.

It would be enough, more than enough, being sure every day, not only today, that their rights are not violated and their lives are not in danger.

It would be enough to consider women and their bodies as humans and not as properties. But it will take years, many years, and will never go completely.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/20-killed-several-injured-as-heavy-rains-lash-pakistan-284953">20 killed, several injured as heavy rains lash Pakistan</a>

In my country, Italy, according to official data every day 88 women are victims of violence: one every 15 minutes. In 2019 more than 90 women have been killed. We even invented a word for it `femminicidio` (femmina means female in Italian, and the word for murder is `omicidio`): a totally new word to show the amount of violence against women.

Data for 2019 are still partial, but those of 2018 is certain and say that violence against women is still growing. There were 142 victims of `femminicidio` in 2018, 119 in the family. This tells the annual Eures report: "Femminicidio` and gender-based violence in Italy". Reports of sexual violence, stalking and abuse in the family also increased. It is within the walls of the house that 85 per cent of women are affected more and more often, mainly by their partners.

We are not marching this year because all public gatherings have been stopped because of coronavirus threat but will do it again and again. `Mera Jism, Meri Marzi`. My body, my choice, my life.&nbsp;

So, they are marching. They are marching in Lahore and in many other Pakistani cities despite being threatened, abused and harassed on social media and otherwise.

So, they are marching. They are marching in Lahore and in many other Pakistani cities despite being threatened, abused and harassed on social media and otherwise. They are marching in Lahore holding placards with the picture of the late Asma Jehangir, an icon and the symbol of the fight against human rights abuses in Pakistan. And they are marching shouting the slogan which with any evidence touched a raw nerve for a still patriarchal society: "Mera Jism, Meri Marzi", (my body my choice). That reminds me of what we were shouting during the seventies in the streets of Italy: "Il corpo e mio e lo gestisco io" (The body is mine, and I`ll do what I want with it). Our other slogan was: "Tremble, Tremble, Witches are back". Because, for a patriarchal society, and unfortunately not only for that, an assertive woman is, of course, a witch, a prostitute, a danger for society and for the holy institution of the family. An assertive, strong, independent woman is a threat for both patriarchal and religious institutions because she does not allow her life and her consciousness to be ruled by priests or mullahs or men. Also read: Coronavirus may cause $61 million loss to Pakistan: ADB But, unlike us during the seventies, women, and girls of Pakistan, the ones marching and the ones still without a voice, are facing more, much more than being insulted or undermined and that`s why they are marching. Reports, in fact, both national and international, more than reports look like war news. In the 2019 Women, Peace and Security Index, Pakistan ranked 164 out of 167 countries, only above Syria, Afghanistan and Yemen, and worst among nine South Asian countries on access to mobile phones, financial inclusion, and discriminatory norms for women. According to Amnesty International, who released a statement supporting the Aurat March: "Women in Pakistan are consistently deprived of education, justice, health care, political representation, and economic opportunities. They live under the constant threat of violence". And "the threats of violence, intimidation, and harassment being hurled at marchers who are merely demanding their due rights underscores the necessity of the Aurat March". According to the same Amnesty statement: "In the World Economic Forum`s Global Gender Gap Index Report 2020, Pakistan ranked 151 out of 153 countries, indicating a dismal record on human rights for women. It charts at the very bottom of the seven South Asian countries included in the Index". Human Rights Watch maintains that "violence against women and girls -- including rape, so-called honour killings, acid attacks, domestic violence, and forced marriage -- remains a serious problem" in Pakistan. Also see: Women's rights activists attacked then detained in Kyrgyzstan Around 12.2 million girls, compared with 10.6 million boys, remain out of school in the country because of poverty compounding challenges related to girls` educational opportunities. Less-educated girls marry young, become mothers at an early age, and often face health challenges throughout their lives. Women around the country have to face domestic violence, rape, honour killings, being thrown acid at, kidnapping and enforced disappearances. Especially in regions like KPK or Balochistan. "The Baloch women not only have to deal with a regressive society and a regressive state but also with a brutal, repressive state which denies them and the men of their nation of rights which are thought acceptable for others. The fallout of the brutality of the state affects the women even more than it does the men" says Mir Mohammed Talpur, a very well known intellectual. There have been several cases of women being abducted, detained and tortured, used as sex slaves by military personnel and then thrown away when they were tired of playing with them. Watch: × However, is difficult to get numbers because, as it always happens in these cases, women feel ashamed and scared and don`t want to disclose their misery. Recently HRW issued a warning over the role of police in sexual violence cases, with officers both committing offences themselves and harassing and intimidating those who made allegations, not only in Balochistan but all over the country. After the insults and the intimidations, Analyst Marvi Sirmed has been once more insulted live on TV and her private cellphone contacts have been put on social media after they tried to stop the march with Court orders, now many politicians are jumping on the boat of freedom and are congratulating "daughters and sisters" for their determination. It would be enough, more than enough, being sure every day, not only today, that their rights are not violated and their lives are not in danger. It would be enough to consider women and their bodies as humans and not as properties. But it will take years, many years, and will never go completely. Also read: 20 killed, several injured as heavy rains lash Pakistan In my country, Italy, according to official data every day 88 women are victims of violence: one every 15 minutes. In 2019 more than 90 women have been killed. We even invented a word for it `femminicidio` (femmina means female in Italian, and the word for murder is `omicidio`): a totally new word to show the amount of violence against women. Data for 2019 are still partial, but those of 2018 is certain and say that violence against women is still growing. There were 142 victims of `femminicidio` in 2018, 119 in the family. This tells the annual Eures report: "Femminicidio` and gender-based violence in Italy". Reports of sexual violence, stalking and abuse in the family also increased. It is within the walls of the house that 85 per cent of women are affected more and more often, mainly by their partners. We are not marching this year because all public gatherings have been stopped because of coronavirus threat but will do it again and again. `Mera Jism, Meri Marzi`. My body, my choice, my life.

Women in Pakistan protest against violence, rape, honour killings

In Pakistan, which has become a hell for women's freedom in the world, there is a clamour for the 'Women's March'. Often women who have been victims of domestic violence, rape, sexual harassment and forced marriage have started protest.

Pakistan: Hearing on case against the 'Aurat March' at Islamabad High Court

The government on Wednesday said that there are over 2.4 lakh pending cases in courts related to rape and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act across the country till December last year.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-strengthens-pocso-act-approves-death-penalty-for-aggravated-sexual-assault-against-minors-187017">Government strengthens POCSO Act, approves death penalty for aggravated sexual assault against minors</a>

According to a written reply in Lok Sabha by the Ministry of Law and Justice, Uttar Pradesh tops the list of states with 66,994 pending rape cases followed by Maharashtra with 21,691 and 20,511 in West Bengal.

"As per information received from High Courts, the status of pending cases related to rape and POCSO Act, as on December 31, 2019, is 2,44,001," Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad informed the Lower House in response to a query by Janata Dal (United) leader Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh.

OPINION:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/india-rape-crisis-are-we-part-of-the-problem-267388">India rape crisis: Are we part of the problem?</a>

In furtherance to, the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018, a scheme was finalized for setting up of 1,023 Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) across the country for expeditious trial and disposal of pending cases related to Rape and Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, in a time-bound manner under Centrally-Sponsored Scheme.

So far, the Central's share of funds amounting to Rs 99.43 crore has been released during 2019-20 to 27 States/UTs which have so far consented to set up of 649 number of FTSCs.

"As per information received from High Courts, 195 FTSCs have already been set up till January 31, 2020," the Ministry said. Surprisingly, not even a single FTSCs have been set up in states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and West Bengal where the maximum number of rape cases are pending.

According to proposed FTSCs, the&nbsp;maximum number of 218 courts will be in Uttar Pradesh, 138 in Maharashtra and 123 in West Bengal.

Andhra Pradesh will have 18, Telangana 36, Andaman and Nicobar Island 01, Arunachal Pradesh 03, Assam 27, Bihar 54, Chandigarh 01, Chhattisgarh 15, Goa 02, Gujrat 35, Haryana 16, Himachal Pradesh 06, Jammu &amp; Kashmir 04, Jharkhand 22, Karnataka 31, Kerala 56, Madhya Pradesh 67, Manipur 02, Meghalaya 05, Mizoram 03, Nagaland 01, NCT of Delhi 16, Odisha 45, Punjab 12, Rajasthan 45, Tamil Nadu 14, Tripura 03 and Uttarakhand 04 FTSCs.

In its reply, the minister said as per the scheme of FTSCs, each such Court is expected to dispose of 165 cases in a year for which States/UTs governments have been kept informed.

Among 195 Fast Track Special Courts functional and established for Women and Girl children under the Scheme of FTSCs till January 2020, 56 are in Madhya Pradesh, 15 are in Chhattisgarh, 16 in Delhi, three in Tripura, 22 in Jharkhand, 26 in Rajasthan, nine in Telangana, 34 in Gujarat and 14 in Tamil Nadu.

The government on Wednesday said that there are over 2.4 lakh pending cases in courts related to rape and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act across the country till December last year.

The government on Wednesday said that there are over 2.4 lakh pending cases in courts related to rape and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act across the country till December last year. Also read: Government strengthens POCSO Act, approves death penalty for aggravated sexual assault against minors According to a written reply in Lok Sabha by the Ministry of Law and Justice, Uttar Pradesh tops the list of states with 66,994 pending rape cases followed by Maharashtra with 21,691 and 20,511 in West Bengal. "As per information received from High Courts, the status of pending cases related to rape and POCSO Act, as on December 31, 2019, is 2,44,001," Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad informed the Lower House in response to a query by Janata Dal (United) leader Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh. OPINION: India rape crisis: Are we part of the problem? In furtherance to, the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018, a scheme was finalized for setting up of 1,023 Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) across the country for expeditious trial and disposal of pending cases related to Rape and Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, in a time-bound manner under Centrally-Sponsored Scheme. So far, the Central's share of funds amounting to Rs 99.43 crore has been released during 2019-20 to 27 States/UTs which have so far consented to set up of 649 number of FTSCs. "As per information received from High Courts, 195 FTSCs have already been set up till January 31, 2020," the Ministry said. Surprisingly, not even a single FTSCs have been set up in states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and West Bengal where the maximum number of rape cases are pending. According to proposed FTSCs, the maximum number of 218 courts will be in Uttar Pradesh, 138 in Maharashtra and 123 in West Bengal. Andhra Pradesh will have 18, Telangana 36, Andaman and Nicobar Island 01, Arunachal Pradesh 03, Assam 27, Bihar 54, Chandigarh 01, Chhattisgarh 15, Goa 02, Gujrat 35, Haryana 16, Himachal Pradesh 06, Jammu & Kashmir 04, Jharkhand 22, Karnataka 31, Kerala 56, Madhya Pradesh 67, Manipur 02, Meghalaya 05, Mizoram 03, Nagaland 01, NCT of Delhi 16, Odisha 45, Punjab 12, Rajasthan 45, Tamil Nadu 14, Tripura 03 and Uttarakhand 04 FTSCs. In its reply, the minister said as per the scheme of FTSCs, each such Court is expected to dispose of 165 cases in a year for which States/UTs governments have been kept informed. Among 195 Fast Track Special Courts functional and established for Women and Girl children under the Scheme of FTSCs till January 2020, 56 are in Madhya Pradesh, 15 are in Chhattisgarh, 16 in Delhi, three in Tripura, 22 in Jharkhand, 26 in Rajasthan, nine in Telangana, 34 in Gujarat and 14 in Tamil Nadu.

Over 2.4 lakh cases relating to rape and POCSO pending in courts across country, says Government

A Kenyan university has apologised after it sent a memo which blamed rape victims for the assault.&nbsp;

The memo was issued on Tuesday by University of Nairobi's security department which blamed the female students of "recklessness" for the three rapes in last one year in the university.&nbsp;

<img alt="memo" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d2e76523-7488-40de-9c08-b3a6bb63476d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/O4i14nBh.jpg" />

A petition was later filed which said that how a woman could be blamed for her own rape.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B9BKzirgnd7/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">“...A clear case of recklessness by our female students...” “...Rape involving female students...” Those students are victims of rape not participants. No condemnation of the rapists. No mention of what the university will do in collaboration with police to ensure safety of its students. No. They, an entire institution would rather assign blame NOT on the rapists but on the victims and even expose one victims story where they assign blame to her! And then these “TIPS” y’all keep throwing around at women. Right now, where we go, what time we will go there, who we will go with, how we will get there, what we will wear etc is governed by how safe we will be and that is NOT normal neither is it OK! If men just stopped raping us, rape will stop. This is what victim shaming looks like. This is what normalization of rape looks like. And we will not stand for it. PS: I’m turning off my comments because there’s always that one tone deaf triggering person and I’m protecting my energy.</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/adelleonyango/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> ADELLE ONYANGO</a> (@adelleonyango) on <time datetime="2020-02-26T05:24:57+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Feb 25, 2020 at 9:24pm PST</time>
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The 31-year-old, who is a rape survivor, wrote on Instagram that she was outraged that the university had no condemnation for the rapists.

Kenya's famous radio personality, Adelle Onyango, posted on Instagram: "This is what victim shaming looks like."

The vice-chancellor of the university Stephen Kiama issued an apology which said: "I have noted the memo was insensitive and does not represent the corporate values and the image of University of Nairobi, and is highly regretted".

The memo released earlier also described one of the three rapes when a drunk female student decided to walk all alone from the city centre to the hostels, in order to substantiate its point of women's fault. &nbsp;

It also suggested certain tips to women for ensuring their safety in social gatherings, which include going out with trusted friends, memorising&nbsp;important contact numbers in case they lost their phones and not leaving their drinks unattended.

Onyango, who is raising funds to launch Safe 24/7 to provide free therapy and support to rape survivors said that these advices&nbsp;to females are the part of the problem.&nbsp;

"Right now, where we go, what time we will go there, who we will go with, how we will get there, what we will wear etc is governed by how safe we will be and that is NOT normal neither is it OK!

"If men just stopped raping us, rape will stop."

Nearly 1,500 people have signed a petition Change.org petition that said misogyny that "has been time and again endorsed by the powers in play in Kenya" has to stop.

A Kenyan university has apologised after it sent a memo which blamed rape victims for the assault. The memo was issued on Tuesday by University of Nairobi's security department which blamed the female students of "recklessness" for the three rapes in last one year in the university.

A Kenyan university has apologised after it sent a memo which blamed rape victims for the assault. The memo was issued on Tuesday by University of Nairobi's security department which blamed the female students of "recklessness" for the three rapes in last one year in the university. A petition was later filed which said that how a woman could be blamed for her own rape. View this post on Instagram “...A clear case of recklessness by our female students...” “...Rape involving female students...” Those students are victims of rape not participants. No condemnation of the rapists. No mention of what the university will do in collaboration with police to ensure safety of its students. No. They, an entire institution would rather assign blame NOT on the rapists but on the victims and even expose one victims story where they assign blame to her! And then these “TIPS” y’all keep throwing around at women. Right now, where we go, what time we will go there, who we will go with, how we will get there, what we will wear etc is governed by how safe we will be and that is NOT normal neither is it OK! If men just stopped raping us, rape will stop. This is what victim shaming looks like. This is what normalization of rape looks like. And we will not stand for it. PS: I’m turning off my comments because there’s always that one tone deaf triggering person and I’m protecting my energy. A post shared by ADELLE ONYANGO (@adelleonyango) on Feb 25, 2020 at 9:24pm PST × The 31-year-old, who is a rape survivor, wrote on Instagram that she was outraged that the university had no condemnation for the rapists. Kenya's famous radio personality, Adelle Onyango, posted on Instagram: "This is what victim shaming looks like." The vice-chancellor of the university Stephen Kiama issued an apology which said: "I have noted the memo was insensitive and does not represent the corporate values and the image of University of Nairobi, and is highly regretted". The memo released earlier also described one of the three rapes when a drunk female student decided to walk all alone from the city centre to the hostels, in order to substantiate its point of women's fault. It also suggested certain tips to women for ensuring their safety in social gatherings, which include going out with trusted friends, memorising important contact numbers in case they lost their phones and not leaving their drinks unattended. Onyango, who is raising funds to launch Safe 24/7 to provide free therapy and support to rape survivors said that these advices to females are the part of the problem. "Right now, where we go, what time we will go there, who we will go with, how we will get there, what we will wear etc is governed by how safe we will be and that is NOT normal neither is it OK! "If men just stopped raping us, rape will stop." Nearly 1,500 people have signed a petition Change.org petition that said misogyny that "has been time and again endorsed by the powers in play in Kenya" has to stop.

Kenya: University apologised after issuing memo that blamed rape victims for 'recklessness'

The United States recently issued a security alert for people planning to travel to Spain on account rampant sexual assault in the country.&nbsp;

The advisory asks US citizens who are visiting or studying in Spain to exercise caution.

The alert takes into account the information given by the Spanish Ministry, which reported "a steady increase in the number of sexual assaults nationally over the past five years", CNN reported.

"This includes a rise in sexual assault against young US citizen visitors and students throughout Spain", the alert said.

On New Year's Eve, three American women were raped in the city of Murcia in southeastern Spain.

<h6><img alt="kkk" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="266f5b84-43dd-4487-993d-40edee2ab94f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%283%29_46.jpg" /> 
Protests in Spain | Reuters 
&nbsp;</h6>

"US citizen victims of sexual assault in Spain can find it very difficult to navigate the local criminal justice system, which differs significantly from the US system," the embassy alert read.

A ruling in November triggered a series of protests in Spain. Five men were cleared of the sexual assault charges against them. However, the report clearly said that the men took turns to rape the unconscious teenager.

All were convicted of a much lighter charge of sexual abuse.

Spanish law clearly states that an attack can be classified as rape or assault only if the perpetrators use violence or intimidation.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/many-arrested-worldwide-as-spain-police-smash-global-pedophile-ring-267532">Many arrested worldwide as Spain police smash global pedophile ring</a>

The United States recently issued a security alert for people planning to travel to Spain on account rampant sexual assault in the country. The advisory asks US citizens who are visiting or studying in Spain to exercise caution.

The United States recently issued a security alert for people planning to travel to Spain on account rampant sexual assault in the country. The advisory asks US citizens who are visiting or studying in Spain to exercise caution. The alert takes into account the information given by the Spanish Ministry, which reported "a steady increase in the number of sexual assaults nationally over the past five years", CNN reported. "This includes a rise in sexual assault against young US citizen visitors and students throughout Spain", the alert said. On New Year's Eve, three American women were raped in the city of Murcia in southeastern Spain. Protests in Spain | Reuters "US citizen victims of sexual assault in Spain can find it very difficult to navigate the local criminal justice system, which differs significantly from the US system," the embassy alert read. A ruling in November triggered a series of protests in Spain. Five men were cleared of the sexual assault charges against them. However, the report clearly said that the men took turns to rape the unconscious teenager. All were convicted of a much lighter charge of sexual abuse. Spanish law clearly states that an attack can be classified as rape or assault only if the perpetrators use violence or intimidation. Also read: Many arrested worldwide as Spain police smash global pedophile ring

New US advisory requests its citizens in Spain to exercise caution against sexual assault

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/the-harvey-weinstein-40-years-journey-from-the-studio-to-the-courtroom-272139">Harvey Weinstein</a>, 66, the most public figure associated with the #MeToo movement has finally been punished. The media mogul has been charged with rape and other sex crimes, for which he could face up to 28 years in prison.

Reportedly, the Hollywood producer's heinous crimes against women were overlooked for a long time before the #MeToo movement had even been mobilised.

A district court has charged Weinstein with raping one woman and sexually assaulting another in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/the-women-at-the-heart-of-the-harvey-weinstein-trial-271772">separate incidents</a> over a two-day period in 2013.&nbsp;

Jackie Lacey, the Los Angeles County District Attorney on the introduction of new charges against Weinstein had this to say, ''I'm here today to announce that my office has charged Harvey Weinstein with sexually assaulting two women in Los Angeles county. We believe the evidence will show that the defendant used his power and influence to gain access to his victims and then committed violent crimes against them".

Lacey further added that if he were to be convicted as charged in the case, he could face up to 28 years in prison. ''My office will ask the court to set bail at five million dollars'', Lacey said.

<img alt="Weinstein" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="91688458-f100-49e8-8c16-67a0617ff698" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%289%29_10.jpg" /> 
Image: An artist's rendition of the film producer Harvey Weinstein sitting&nbsp;alongside lawyers Donna Rotunno and Arthur Aidala while&nbsp;appearing&nbsp;in front of Judge James Burke in Criminal Court on the first day of his sexual assault trial in the Manhattan borough of New York City | Source: Reuters&nbsp;

Weinstein is also facing trial on the East Coast, with five charges in New York City. These are also rape and sexual assault charges. If convicted on these accounts, he could be imprisoned for life.

After the #MeToo movement gained traction, more than 80 women came forward with accusations of rape and/or assault against Weinstein. He responded by trying to close a 25 million dollar settlement deal with more than 30 women.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Harvey Weinstein -&nbsp;When powerful men pay their way out of #metoo!

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-harvey-weinstein-when-powerful-men-pay-their-way-out-of-metoo-267976/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

A clause of the settlement said that he would not be required to admit wrongdoing. The public rehabilitation campaign for Weinstein that being manufactures was instantly rejected.

Women continue to face the consequences of coming forward with reports of assault and harassment.

Lawyers in the trial are expected to begin selecting jurors today.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/the-harvey-weinstein-40-years-journey-from-the-studio-to-the-courtroom-272139">The Harvey Weinstein 40 years Journey: From the studio to the courtroom</a>

Harvey Weinstein, 66, the most public figure associated with the #MeToo movement has finally been punished. The media mogul has been charged with rape and other sex crimes, for which he could face up to 28 years in prison.

Harvey Weinstein, 66, the most public figure associated with the #MeToo movement has finally been punished. The media mogul has been charged with rape and other sex crimes, for which he could face up to 28 years in prison. Reportedly, the Hollywood producer's heinous crimes against women were overlooked for a long time before the #MeToo movement had even been mobilised. A district court has charged Weinstein with raping one woman and sexually assaulting another in separate incidents over a two-day period in 2013. Jackie Lacey, the Los Angeles County District Attorney on the introduction of new charges against Weinstein had this to say, ''I'm here today to announce that my office has charged Harvey Weinstein with sexually assaulting two women in Los Angeles county. We believe the evidence will show that the defendant used his power and influence to gain access to his victims and then committed violent crimes against them". Lacey further added that if he were to be convicted as charged in the case, he could face up to 28 years in prison. ''My office will ask the court to set bail at five million dollars'', Lacey said. Image: An artist's rendition of the film producer Harvey Weinstein sitting alongside lawyers Donna Rotunno and Arthur Aidala while appearing in front of Judge James Burke in Criminal Court on the first day of his sexual assault trial in the Manhattan borough of New York City | Source: Reuters Weinstein is also facing trial on the East Coast, with five charges in New York City. These are also rape and sexual assault charges. If convicted on these accounts, he could be imprisoned for life. After the #MeToo movement gained traction, more than 80 women came forward with accusations of rape and/or assault against Weinstein. He responded by trying to close a 25 million dollar settlement deal with more than 30 women. Watch: Harvey Weinstein - When powerful men pay their way out of #metoo! A clause of the settlement said that he would not be required to admit wrongdoing. The public rehabilitation campaign for Weinstein that being manufactures was instantly rejected. Women continue to face the consequences of coming forward with reports of assault and harassment. Lawyers in the trial are expected to begin selecting jurors today. Also read: The Harvey Weinstein 40 years Journey: From the studio to the courtroom

Harvey Weinstein charged with rape in LA; could face up to 28 years in prison

A man from Gondia was arrested for <a href="Won't apologise for 'Rape in India' remarks': Rahul Gandhi at Congress rally">allegedly raping</a> a 19-year-old girl in the Pardi area in Nagpur, police said on Monday. The accused has been identified as Rahangadale (52), a supervisor in a spinning mill where the victim was employed as a labourer.

As per the complaint filed by police, the accused inserted an iron rod in the private parts of the victim after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/students-rape-triggers-protests-in-dhaka-272624">allegedly raping her</a> on January 20. Sunil Chavan, Inspector at Pardi police station, said the victim was alone at her rented apartment when Rahangdale attempted to rape her in the night.

<img alt="Protests against rape - Representative Image" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="12a9fbf4-c60e-4772-b6ad-52073b9fbe25" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202020-01-28T115623.966_0.jpg" /> 
[ Protests against weak legislation and educational measures that inculcate rape culture (Courtesy: Zee News Network) ]

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/india-rape-crisis-are-we-part-of-the-problem-267388">India rape crisis: Are we part of the problem?</a>

After her brother returned home from his village, the victim narrated the incident to him on January 24 and they subsequently lodged a complaint with the police.

Following this, an FIR was filed against the accused at the Pardi police station. An investigation is underway.

A man from Gondia was arrested for allegedly raping a 19-year-old girl in the Pardi area in Nagpur, police said on Monday. The accused has been identified as Rahangadale (52), a supervisor in a spinning mill where the victim was employed as a labourer.

A man from Gondia was arrested for allegedly raping a 19-year-old girl in the Pardi area in Nagpur, police said on Monday. The accused has been identified as Rahangadale (52), a supervisor in a spinning mill where the victim was employed as a labourer. As per the complaint filed by police, the accused inserted an iron rod in the private parts of the victim after allegedly raping her on January 20. Sunil Chavan, Inspector at Pardi police station, said the victim was alone at her rented apartment when Rahangdale attempted to rape her in the night. [ Protests against weak legislation and educational measures that inculcate rape culture (Courtesy: Zee News Network) ] Also Read: India rape crisis: Are we part of the problem? After her brother returned home from his village, the victim narrated the incident to him on January 24 and they subsequently lodged a complaint with the police. Following this, an FIR was filed against the accused at the Pardi police station. An investigation is underway.

19-year-old girl raped in Nagpur, suspect in custody of Nagpur police

On Sunday night, a 21-year-old student of Dhaka University in Bangladesh was attacked and raped. This incident has triggered massive protests in Dhaka. Details in this report. #Bangladesh #Dhaka #RapeInDhaka #Gravitas

Gravitas: Massive protests in Bangladesh after 21-year old student raped in Dhaka

In a major development in 2012 Delhi gangrape case, a Delhi court has issued a death warrant against all 4 convicts. According to the latest development, the execution to be held on 22nd January at 7 am. However, the Delhi court says that the convicts can use their legal remedies within 14 days. #NirbhayaGandRape #GangRape #Nirbhaya

Big development in 2012 Nirbhaya case: 4 gangrape convicts to be hanged on Jan 22

A student from&nbsp;Indonesia&nbsp;was identified as Britain's most prolific rapist on Monday after being convicted of more than 150 offences, including 136 rapes.

In four separate trials, Reynhard Sinaga, 36, was found guilty of assaulting 48 men whom he drugged after taking them back to his apartment from outside bars and clubs in the city of Manchester.

Many of the victims were lured by the offer of a place to sleep or more drink, and Sinaga filmed the assaults on his mobile phone, the Crown Prosecution Service said.

<img alt="Reynhard Sinaga" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9b1d63d7-f1ac-444f-aacc-5faa6cf48e4c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_41.jpg" />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Image:&nbsp;Reynhard Sinaga, 36, is seen in this undated handout photo released on January 6, 2020 | Reuters

At a court in Manchester, a judge ruled that Sinaga must serve at least 30 years in prison for 159 offences committed between&nbsp;January 2015 and May 2017, and lifted reporting restrictions.

Ian Rushton, a government prosecutor, described Sinaga as the "most prolific rapist in British legal history".

Sinaga, who has lived in the United Kingdom since 2007, targeted young men who looked drunk or vulnerable and rendered them unconscious with a sedative, probably the party drug gamma-hydroxybutyric acid that is known as GHB, the court was told.

The victims were mainly heterosexual and had little or no memory of the attacks. But Sinaga was arrested after one of his victims woke up during an attack, fought him off and went to the police with one of his phones.

<img alt="A combination of still images used in evidence in convicting Reynhard Sinaga, (L to R) CCTV image, alcohol bottles in Sinaga's flat, sleeping area in Sinaga's flat, are seen in this undated handout photo released on January 6, 2020" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d55bc08e-8e77-4ae2-a21b-ede5f0a440b9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_37.jpg" /> 
Image:&nbsp;A combination of still images used in evidence in convicting Reynhard Sinaga, (L to R) CCTV image, alcohol bottles in Sinaga's flat, sleeping area in Sinaga's flat, are seen in this undated handout photo released on January 6, 2020 | Reuters

Police discovered graphic material – equivalent to 250 DVDs or 300,000 photos – depicting sexual assaults on Sinaga's digital devices. Sinaga had said his victims were acting out sexual fantasies.

The court was told Sinaga kept men’s belongings as trophies and looked them up on Facebook.

The rape investigation is the largest in British legal history. It is the first time prosecutors have split charges across four separate trials.

Police said there could be many more victims and are appealing for others who may have been targeted to come forward.

A student from Indonesia was identified as Britain's most prolific rapist on Monday after being convicted of more than 150 offences, including 136 rapes. In four separate trials, Reynhard Sinaga, 36, was found guilty of assaulting 48 men whom he drugged after taking them back to his apartment from outside bars and clubs in the city of Manchester.

A student from Indonesia was identified as Britain's most prolific rapist on Monday after being convicted of more than 150 offences, including 136 rapes. In four separate trials, Reynhard Sinaga, 36, was found guilty of assaulting 48 men whom he drugged after taking them back to his apartment from outside bars and clubs in the city of Manchester. Many of the victims were lured by the offer of a place to sleep or more drink, and Sinaga filmed the assaults on his mobile phone, the Crown Prosecution Service said. Image: Reynhard Sinaga, 36, is seen in this undated handout photo released on January 6, 2020 | Reuters At a court in Manchester, a judge ruled that Sinaga must serve at least 30 years in prison for 159 offences committed between January 2015 and May 2017, and lifted reporting restrictions. Ian Rushton, a government prosecutor, described Sinaga as the "most prolific rapist in British legal history". Sinaga, who has lived in the United Kingdom since 2007, targeted young men who looked drunk or vulnerable and rendered them unconscious with a sedative, probably the party drug gamma-hydroxybutyric acid that is known as GHB, the court was told. The victims were mainly heterosexual and had little or no memory of the attacks. But Sinaga was arrested after one of his victims woke up during an attack, fought him off and went to the police with one of his phones. Image: A combination of still images used in evidence in convicting Reynhard Sinaga, (L to R) CCTV image, alcohol bottles in Sinaga's flat, sleeping area in Sinaga's flat, are seen in this undated handout photo released on January 6, 2020 | Reuters Police discovered graphic material – equivalent to 250 DVDs or 300,000 photos – depicting sexual assaults on Sinaga's digital devices. Sinaga had said his victims were acting out sexual fantasies. The court was told Sinaga kept men’s belongings as trophies and looked them up on Facebook. The rape investigation is the largest in British legal history. It is the first time prosecutors have split charges across four separate trials. Police said there could be many more victims and are appealing for others who may have been targeted to come forward.

United Kingdom's 'most prolific rapist' convicted of 150 offences

A <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/court-dismisses-plea-seeking-fir-against-sole-witness-in-nirbhaya-rape-case-272547">Delhi court</a> will hear today the plea of parents of 2012 Delhi gang-rape victim seeking to expedite the procedure to hang all 4 convicted in the case and also seeking issuance of death warrant against them.

Yesterday, the court dismissed an application filed by the father of one of the death-row convicts in the Nirbhaya rape case, who had questioned the credibility of the sole witness by claiming that he was "tutored" and sought the registration of FIR against him.

The court had on December 20 reserved the order on an application filed by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nirbhaya-case-delhi-high-court-adjourns-convicts-plea-claiming-he-was-juvenile-269075">Pawan Kumar Gupta</a>'s father till today. The petition had stated that the girl's friend committed perjury for giving false testimony in the court.

The sole eye-witness was accompanying the 23-year-old girl when she was raped and murdered by six men on a moving bus on December 16, 2012.

Besides Pawan Kumar Gupta, three others - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/three-nirbhaya-convicts-want-to-use-their-remaining-legal-remedies-270009">Akshay, Vinay, and Mukesh</a> are facing the gallows in the case.

The main accused, Ram Singh, allegedly committed suicide in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-priyanka-gandhi-to-meet-chidambaram-at-tihar-jail-tomorrow-264716">Tihar Jail</a> during the trial. Another accused was a minor at the time of the commission of the crime and was sent to a reform facility and released after three years.

A Delhi court will hear today the plea of parents of 2012 Delhi gang-rape victim seeking to expedite the procedure to hang all 4 convicted in the case and also seeking issuance of death warrant against them.

A Delhi court will hear today the plea of parents of 2012 Delhi gang-rape victim seeking to expedite the procedure to hang all 4 convicted in the case and also seeking issuance of death warrant against them. Yesterday, the court dismissed an application filed by the father of one of the death-row convicts in the Nirbhaya rape case, who had questioned the credibility of the sole witness by claiming that he was "tutored" and sought the registration of FIR against him. The court had on December 20 reserved the order on an application filed by Pawan Kumar Gupta's father till today. The petition had stated that the girl's friend committed perjury for giving false testimony in the court. The sole eye-witness was accompanying the 23-year-old girl when she was raped and murdered by six men on a moving bus on December 16, 2012. Besides Pawan Kumar Gupta, three others - Akshay, Vinay, and Mukesh are facing the gallows in the case. The main accused, Ram Singh, allegedly committed suicide in Tihar Jail during the trial. Another accused was a minor at the time of the commission of the crime and was sent to a reform facility and released after three years.

Court to hear plea of Nirbhaya's parents seeking to expedite punishment to 4 convicts

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Pakistan's Dawn newspaper Hameed Haroon on Monday sent a defamation notice to film director <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/film-maker-stirs-pakistan-metoo-debate-with-rape-allegation-257954">Jamshed 'Jami' Mahmood</a> seeking an "unconditional public apology" and the retraction of rape accusations that the former had alleged against him.

The two have been involved in a public dispute since Jami last year in October came forward with the accusation that he was raped by a "media tycoon" 13 years ago and on December 28, named Haroon as his alleged rapist, sources reported.

In response, Haroon had issued a statement categorically rejecting the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistani-media-mogul-rejects-rape-accusations-by-filmmaker-271209">rape accusations</a> and saying he would initiate legal action.

"Almost two months after circulating your first tweet on being allegedly raped, and strangely and abruptly travelling outside Pakistan, on December 28, 2019, on the social media platform Twitter, you falsely and maliciously labelled our client as an alleged rapist," said the four-page-long legal notice sent today.

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Why im so strongly supporting <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/metoo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#metoo</a> ? cuz i know exactly how it happens now, inside a room then outside courts inside courts and how a survivor hides confides cuz i was brutally raped by a very powerful person in our media world. A Giant actually. and yes im taller than him but
— jami (@jamiazaad) <a href="https://twitter.com/jamiazaad/status/1185980753584316418?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Since then, you have been continuing to circulate this false allegation all over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-chishti-the-man-who-incited-nankana-sahib-gurdwara-violence-arrested-272549">Pakistan</a>, including Karachi and abroad. Our client categorically denies that he has ever perpetrated the sexual assault on anyone and categorically denies that he has raped you," it added.

The notice also said that unless Jami circulates an unconditional public apology and issues a public statement retracting his allegation of rape from all social media posts and other media outlets within 14 days of the receipt of this notice, Haroon reserves the right to initiate civil and criminal legal proceedings against the director under Section 499 of the Pakistan Penal Code, 1860, and the Defamation Ordinance, 2002, and other applicable laws.

Jami, who is currently in the United States, told sources that he has received the notice and is in the process of perusing it. 
"He added, however, that an apology was 'not even a distant possibility'," said reports. "There is a lot that needs to be done for victims of sexual harassment and for future victims," Jami was quoted as saying.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-will-not-become-part-of-this-us-iran-conflict-shah-mehmood-qureshi-pak-foreign-minister-272573">'Pakistan will not become part of US-Iran conflict': Pakistan Foreign Minister Qureshi</a>

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Pakistan's Dawn newspaper Hameed Haroon on Monday sent a defamation notice to film director Jamshed 'Jami' Mahmood seeking an "unconditional public apology" and the retraction of rape accusations that the former had alleged against him.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Pakistan's Dawn newspaper Hameed Haroon on Monday sent a defamation notice to film director Jamshed 'Jami' Mahmood seeking an "unconditional public apology" and the retraction of rape accusations that the former had alleged against him. The two have been involved in a public dispute since Jami last year in October came forward with the accusation that he was raped by a "media tycoon" 13 years ago and on December 28, named Haroon as his alleged rapist, sources reported. In response, Haroon had issued a statement categorically rejecting the rape accusations and saying he would initiate legal action. "Almost two months after circulating your first tweet on being allegedly raped, and strangely and abruptly travelling outside Pakistan, on December 28, 2019, on the social media platform Twitter, you falsely and maliciously labelled our client as an alleged rapist," said the four-page-long legal notice sent today. Why im so strongly supporting #metoo ? cuz i know exactly how it happens now, inside a room then outside courts inside courts and how a survivor hides confides cuz i was brutally raped by a very powerful person in our media world. A Giant actually. and yes im taller than him but — jami (@jamiazaad) October 20, 2019 × "Since then, you have been continuing to circulate this false allegation all over Pakistan, including Karachi and abroad. Our client categorically denies that he has ever perpetrated the sexual assault on anyone and categorically denies that he has raped you," it added. The notice also said that unless Jami circulates an unconditional public apology and issues a public statement retracting his allegation of rape from all social media posts and other media outlets within 14 days of the receipt of this notice, Haroon reserves the right to initiate civil and criminal legal proceedings against the director under Section 499 of the Pakistan Penal Code, 1860, and the Defamation Ordinance, 2002, and other applicable laws. Jami, who is currently in the United States, told sources that he has received the notice and is in the process of perusing it. "He added, however, that an apology was 'not even a distant possibility'," said reports. "There is a lot that needs to be done for victims of sexual harassment and for future victims," Jami was quoted as saying. Also Read: 'Pakistan will not become part of US-Iran conflict': Pakistan Foreign Minister Qureshi

Rape accused Dawn media CEO Haroon sends defamation notice to Jami

A minor girl was allegedly raped in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/police-visit-sonakshi-sinhas-residence-in-connection-with-cheating-case-filed-against-her-235238">Moradabad</a> on December 22, police said.

"The victim's father found her in an injured state near the airport strip. She was referred to a hospital in Meerut. The medical examination report shows that she was raped. We are investigating the case," Superintendent of Police, Moradabad City, Amit Kumar Anand, told reporters here.

Based on the complaint filed by the victim's father, the police have registered a case under Section 376 (rape) and the POCSO Act against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/aiims-experts-to-conduct-second-autopsy-on-bodies-of-four-rape-accused-killed-in-telangana-encounter-269584">unknown persons</a>.

A minor girl was allegedly raped in Moradabad on December 22, police said. "The victim's father found her in an injured state near the airport strip. She was referred to a hospital in Meerut.

A minor girl was allegedly raped in Moradabad on December 22, police said. "The victim's father found her in an injured state near the airport strip. She was referred to a hospital in Meerut. The medical examination report shows that she was raped. We are investigating the case," Superintendent of Police, Moradabad City, Amit Kumar Anand, told reporters here. Based on the complaint filed by the victim's father, the police have registered a case under Section 376 (rape) and the POCSO Act against unknown persons.

Case registered for minor girl's rape in Uttar Pradesh's Moradabad

Three out of four death-row convicts in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nirbhaya-case-delhi-hc-reserves-order-on-plea-seeking-fir-against-sole-witness-269306">Nirbhaya</a> rape case on Tuesday stated they want to use their remaining legal remedies and file for both curative and mercy petition.

Their reply came after the court directed the Tihar Jail authorities to issue a fresh notice to them on whether or not they want to file the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/very-important-to-teach-such-people-a-lesson-nirbhayas-mother-welcomes-delhi-hcs-dismissal-of-convicts-plea-269236">mercy</a> petition.

Based on the directions, the jail authorities had issued a notice to all four convicts stating that they have seven days' time to file a mercy petition.

The case pertains to rape and murder of a 23-year-old paramedical student by six men on a moving bus on the night of December 16, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-rejects-review-petition-of-akshay-kumar-singh-in-2012-delhi-gang-rape-case-268900">2012</a>. Pawan, Akshay, Vinay, and Mukesh are facing the gallows in the case.

The main accused, Ram Singh, allegedly committed suicide in Tihar Jail during the trial.

Another accused was a minor at the time of the commission of the crime and was sent to a reform facility and released after three years.

One of the convicts Akshay's review petition was rejected by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nirbhaya-s-mother-breaks-down-after-court-postpones-death-warrants-of-convicts-268942">Supreme Court</a> last week. Besides him, other convicts Mukesh, Pawan and Vinay had filed the review petition last year but it was rejected by the apex court.

A curative petition is the last legal recourse available to a person following which mercy for computation of death penalty to life imprisonment could be sought from the President of India.

Three out of four death-row convicts in the Nirbhaya rape case on Tuesday stated they want to use their remaining legal remedies and file for both curative and mercy petition.

Three out of four death-row convicts in the Nirbhaya rape case on Tuesday stated they want to use their remaining legal remedies and file for both curative and mercy petition. Their reply came after the court directed the Tihar Jail authorities to issue a fresh notice to them on whether or not they want to file the mercy petition. Based on the directions, the jail authorities had issued a notice to all four convicts stating that they have seven days' time to file a mercy petition. The case pertains to rape and murder of a 23-year-old paramedical student by six men on a moving bus on the night of December 16, 2012. Pawan, Akshay, Vinay, and Mukesh are facing the gallows in the case. The main accused, Ram Singh, allegedly committed suicide in Tihar Jail during the trial. Another accused was a minor at the time of the commission of the crime and was sent to a reform facility and released after three years. One of the convicts Akshay's review petition was rejected by the Supreme Court last week. Besides him, other convicts Mukesh, Pawan and Vinay had filed the review petition last year but it was rejected by the apex court. A curative petition is the last legal recourse available to a person following which mercy for computation of death penalty to life imprisonment could be sought from the President of India.

Three Nirbhaya convicts want to use their remaining legal remedies

A <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nirbhaya-case-delhi-high-court-adjourns-convicts-plea-claiming-he-was-juvenile-269075">Delhi court</a> on Thursday reserved till January 6 the order on an application filed by the father of one of the death-row convicts in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nirbhaya-s-mother-breaks-down-after-court-postpones-death-warrants-of-convicts-268942">Nirbhaya rape case</a> which questioned the credibility of the sole witness and claimed that he was "tutored".

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/very-important-to-teach-such-people-a-lesson-nirbhayas-mother-welcomes-delhi-hcs-dismissal-of-convicts-plea-269236">petition</a> which was filed by convict Pawan Kumar Gupta`s father sought registration of FIR against the girl's friend for perjury for giving false testimony in the court.

The sole eye-witness was accompanying the 23-year-old girl when she was raped and murdered by six men on a moving bus on December 16, 2012.

It claimed that the boy accompanying Nirbhaya in the bus turned the case into a "media trial" by charging money from news channels to give interviews.

"This calls for an independent investigation into the perjury committed by him, being the sole witness, his testimony has strongly influenced the outcome of the case," the complaint stated. Perjury relates to willfully making a misrepresentation under oath.

In the last proceedings, Metropolitan Magistrate Sudhir Kumar Sirohi had said that the witnesses record statements "under oath and what they say outside the courtroom cannot raise a question on their credibility as a witness".Besides Pawan Kumar Gupta, three others - Akshay, Vinay, and Mukesh are facing the gallows in the case.

The main accused, Ram Singh, allegedly committed suicide in Tihar Jail during the trial. Another accused was a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nirbhaya-case-delhi-high-court-dismisses-plea-of-convict-who-claims-he-was-juvenile-in-2012-269183">minor</a> at the time of the commission of the crime and was sent to a reform facility and released after three years.

A Delhi court on Thursday reserved till January 6 the order on an application filed by the father of one of the death-row convicts in the Nirbhaya rape case which questioned the credibility of the sole witness and claimed that he was "tutored".

A Delhi court on Thursday reserved till January 6 the order on an application filed by the father of one of the death-row convicts in the Nirbhaya rape case which questioned the credibility of the sole witness and claimed that he was "tutored". The petition which was filed by convict Pawan Kumar Gupta`s father sought registration of FIR against the girl's friend for perjury for giving false testimony in the court. The sole eye-witness was accompanying the 23-year-old girl when she was raped and murdered by six men on a moving bus on December 16, 2012. It claimed that the boy accompanying Nirbhaya in the bus turned the case into a "media trial" by charging money from news channels to give interviews. "This calls for an independent investigation into the perjury committed by him, being the sole witness, his testimony has strongly influenced the outcome of the case," the complaint stated. Perjury relates to willfully making a misrepresentation under oath. In the last proceedings, Metropolitan Magistrate Sudhir Kumar Sirohi had said that the witnesses record statements "under oath and what they say outside the courtroom cannot raise a question on their credibility as a witness".Besides Pawan Kumar Gupta, three others - Akshay, Vinay, and Mukesh are facing the gallows in the case. The main accused, Ram Singh, allegedly committed suicide in Tihar Jail during the trial. Another accused was a minor at the time of the commission of the crime and was sent to a reform facility and released after three years.

Nirbhaya case: Delhi High Court reserves order on plea seeking FIR against sole witness

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/want-convicts-in-nirbhaya-case-to-be-hanged-at-earliest-delhi-chief-minister-arvind-kejriwal-268087">Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal</a> on Friday condemned the increasing incident of violence against women in India and called it a sign of "mental depravity".

"We have decided to introduce a campaign," Kejriwal said, adding that the structure of the campaign will be finalised in the coming days.&nbsp;

"In every school and college, boys will be given an oath to not misbehave with any woman. This will help boys understand their responsibilities," he said.

"We have decided to introduce a campaign to change the mindset of the people. The girls will be asked to talk to their brothers and ask them not to misbehave with any woman," the Delhi CM said.

"And if the brother did not listen and misbehave with any girl, then the sister should say that she has no relations left with him," the Chief Minister added.&nbsp;

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Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal: All girls will be asked to speak to their brothers, and tell them that they will not misbehave with any woman, and make their brothers take the oath. And if he does anything wrong, the girl should tell her brother that,'I am breaking all ties with you'. <a href="https://t.co/yV4rXW1kDo">https://t.co/yV4rXW1kDo</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1205446699012870144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Kejriwal said the people who commit a crime against women should be boycotted not only by society but by their families&nbsp;as well and added that his government was concerned about the security of women.

Earlier in the day, Kejriwal said&nbsp;that he wants convicts in the Nirbhaya rape case to be hanged at the earliest and that all the formalities that remain in the case should be completed immediately, news agency ANI reported.

"I want the convicts (in Nirbhaya case) to be hanged at the earliest, all formalities which are remaining should be completed immediately," Kejriwal said as reported by ANI.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday condemned the increasing incident of violence against women in India and called it a sign of "mental depravity". "We have decided to introduce a campaign," Kejriwal said, adding that the structure of the campaign will be finalised in the coming days.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday condemned the increasing incident of violence against women in India and called it a sign of "mental depravity". "We have decided to introduce a campaign," Kejriwal said, adding that the structure of the campaign will be finalised in the coming days. "In every school and college, boys will be given an oath to not misbehave with any woman. This will help boys understand their responsibilities," he said. "We have decided to introduce a campaign to change the mindset of the people. The girls will be asked to talk to their brothers and ask them not to misbehave with any woman," the Delhi CM said. "And if the brother did not listen and misbehave with any girl, then the sister should say that she has no relations left with him," the Chief Minister added. Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal: All girls will be asked to speak to their brothers, and tell them that they will not misbehave with any woman, and make their brothers take the oath. And if he does anything wrong, the girl should tell her brother that,'I am breaking all ties with you'. https://t.co/yV4rXW1kDo — ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2019 × Kejriwal said the people who commit a crime against women should be boycotted not only by society but by their families as well and added that his government was concerned about the security of women. Earlier in the day, Kejriwal said that he wants convicts in the Nirbhaya rape case to be hanged at the earliest and that all the formalities that remain in the case should be completed immediately, news agency ANI reported. "I want the convicts (in Nirbhaya case) to be hanged at the earliest, all formalities which are remaining should be completed immediately," Kejriwal said as reported by ANI. (With inputs from ANI)

Boys in schools and colleges to be sensitised to respect women: Kejriwal

The Andhra Pradesh Assembly on Friday passed the 'Disha Bill'&nbsp;also known as the Andhra Pradesh Criminal Law (Amendment) Act 2019.

The bill provides for awarding death sentence for offences of rape and gang rape and expediting verdict in trials of such cases within 21 days.

Earlier on Wednesday. the Cabinet under Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy approved the enactment of the Disha Bill.

The passage of the Bill comes in the wake of the incident where a woman veterinarian was gang-raped and killed by four people before they burnt her body in Telangana's Shamshabad on November 27.

Her charred body was recovered a day later. On December 6, all the four accused -- Mohammed Arif, Naveen, Shiva, and Chennakeshavulu -- were killed in a police encounter.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The Andhra Pradesh Assembly on Friday passed the 'Disha Bill' also known as the Andhra Pradesh Criminal Law (Amendment) Act 2019. The bill provides for awarding death sentence for offences of rape and gang rape and expediting verdict in trials of such cases within 21 days.

The Andhra Pradesh Assembly on Friday passed the 'Disha Bill' also known as the Andhra Pradesh Criminal Law (Amendment) Act 2019. The bill provides for awarding death sentence for offences of rape and gang rape and expediting verdict in trials of such cases within 21 days. Earlier on Wednesday. the Cabinet under Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy approved the enactment of the Disha Bill. The passage of the Bill comes in the wake of the incident where a woman veterinarian was gang-raped and killed by four people before they burnt her body in Telangana's Shamshabad on November 27. Her charred body was recovered a day later. On December 6, all the four accused -- Mohammed Arif, Naveen, Shiva, and Chennakeshavulu -- were killed in a police encounter.

Andhra Assembly passes Disha Bill to provide stricter rape offences

Last year during an assignment I met an 11-month-old baby who was brutally raped in the national capital and she had to undergo an operation, her eyes continue to haunt me. The baby girl underwent a three-hour-long operation. She had horrific injuries in her internal organs.

I wanted to investigate why are we termed rape capital of the world. What is it that we are doing wrong?&nbsp;

Most of the times police denies giving the data on crime against women to journalists. The Delhi Commission for Women somehow got the data that explained the shocking law and order problem in the capital. Between 2012 and 2014, 31,446 crimes against women were reported in the capital and only less than 150 were convicted. It is for a fact that criminals and offenders are not scared in Delhi.

But what are the significant steps that the state and police have been taking?

Our police force is not even digitised. There are no digital arrangements which can update us about the number of cases filed and resolved, which police officer is performing well and accountability of the system.

There are police officers who are working at a stretch for 48 hours too. For years, Delhi Police has been demanding sixty thousand additional police force but they haven't got it yet.

DCW says that Out of 7500 samples pending forensic investigations, 1500 samples cross the expiry and forensic samples are not even tested for months. The number of courts and judges are painfully less. The mother of Nirbhaya had told once that sometimes she feels happy that her daughter is no more. At least she doesn't have to go through the humiliation of seeking justice, delayed justice and sometimes no justice at all.

This needs to be changed, but the story of women's safety is quite tragic and it's tragic because there are so many dimensions. There is state, government, society, patriarchy, and especially the mindsets that need to be changed.

At the same time, the tragedy of the story is that the stakeholders involved in it, somehow want it to remain a complex topic. It can't be broken down.

In 2012, Parliament made a special task force which was supposed to meet two times every month but it met only 11 times in three years, later it was disbanded.

All the stakeholders need to sit down on the same table and need to make our daughters safe and not the cows. Nearly 90 per cent of women have been stared at, been told not to do particular things, to stand properly, to speak properly and to sit properly. Ohh, offline and online abuses are part of the day.

Where is the real problem? Why this rape occurs and why rape is wrong?

Asking most friends, usually the Indian mindset answers you that rape occurs when a man, probably from the poor background, rural, uneducated comes across a girl wearing short skirts, possibly drunk, outside late at night. It is important for the girl to be under western influence to be raped.

Why rape is wrong? Because it violates her dignity honour of family, community and nation's respect.

So are we protecting women for the right reasons?

If we think that the problem of rape occurs because of the violation of gender norms, we are still thinking that men need to protect women and it is the men who are failing to protect enough. Then we end up having campaigns like real men don't rape, protecting women is a religion, but the obvious problem is that a man has to choose whether to protect the woman or not. The woman herself has no agency and no say. If we think rape is a violation of gender-based boundaries and if we think that women shouldn't be out in certain hours and women should be staying at home, then, do women have the right to occupy public place? &nbsp;

Politicians say rape happens in 'India' but not 'Bharat.' They are placing India within a specific religious, moral, cultural and ethical framework and tell us that the rapes happen due to western influence.

The message of not wearing inappropriate dresses is always visible and it is inappropriate culturally. People like you and me agree rape is wrong but you don't have to be a rapist to be a part of the problem.

Thinking of rape is wrong because of wrong reasons are also part of the problem. Rape is not about sex, but it's a social disease. 
 
Right in the centre of Delhi, there is a place called GB road. GB road exists 3 km from the parliament. There are 5000 women, there are 90 brothels and there are 600 odd children and nobody wants to talk about it. The women working there entertain at least 30 men in a day. A police station exists just 100 meters away.

The system knows and the police know what is happening in the centre of Delhi, but it can't really stop rapes for sure.&nbsp;We have a much larger social disease, a product of power imbalances, caste, religion and imbalances of gender and identity. If your responses are nested in those exact power structures, If you want to resolve by strengthening the exact same power structure then you are part of the problem and further the problem.

For India rape is a problem because its the matter of honour, that's why marital rape is still not illegal in India. Culture, religion, family and every institution won't debate about it because it doesn't violate our so-called 'culture.'

Rape is wrong in India because of the problem of honour, that is why a Khap Panchayat in Haryana also thinks rape is the way to give justice. Panchayats have been outrageously okay to come up with punishments to gang rape a girl that could affect her family and community's reputation and honour.

This is why rape is used as a political tool. By raping a woman you are damaging the community's honour but nobody cares about the woman.

In Gurgaon, a new rule was introduced in 2014, women couldn't work after 8 pm and all it did is that it strengthened the social framework that leads to leaving women objectified and vulnerable.

Rape is wrong but not for the right reasons. Rape is a violation of an individual's rights. It is important to understand why rape is wrong and don't just stay as part of the problem. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Last year during an assignment I met an 11-month-old baby who was brutally raped in the national capital and she had to undergo an operation, her eyes continue to haunt me.

Last year during an assignment I met an 11-month-old baby who was brutally raped in the national capital and she had to undergo an operation, her eyes continue to haunt me. The baby girl underwent a three-hour-long operation. She had horrific injuries in her internal organs. I wanted to investigate why are we termed rape capital of the world. What is it that we are doing wrong? Most of the times police denies giving the data on crime against women to journalists. The Delhi Commission for Women somehow got the data that explained the shocking law and order problem in the capital. Between 2012 and 2014, 31,446 crimes against women were reported in the capital and only less than 150 were convicted. It is for a fact that criminals and offenders are not scared in Delhi. But what are the significant steps that the state and police have been taking? Our police force is not even digitised. There are no digital arrangements which can update us about the number of cases filed and resolved, which police officer is performing well and accountability of the system. There are police officers who are working at a stretch for 48 hours too. For years, Delhi Police has been demanding sixty thousand additional police force but they haven't got it yet. DCW says that Out of 7500 samples pending forensic investigations, 1500 samples cross the expiry and forensic samples are not even tested for months. The number of courts and judges are painfully less. The mother of Nirbhaya had told once that sometimes she feels happy that her daughter is no more. At least she doesn't have to go through the humiliation of seeking justice, delayed justice and sometimes no justice at all. This needs to be changed, but the story of women's safety is quite tragic and it's tragic because there are so many dimensions. There is state, government, society, patriarchy, and especially the mindsets that need to be changed. At the same time, the tragedy of the story is that the stakeholders involved in it, somehow want it to remain a complex topic. It can't be broken down. In 2012, Parliament made a special task force which was supposed to meet two times every month but it met only 11 times in three years, later it was disbanded. All the stakeholders need to sit down on the same table and need to make our daughters safe and not the cows. Nearly 90 per cent of women have been stared at, been told not to do particular things, to stand properly, to speak properly and to sit properly. Ohh, offline and online abuses are part of the day. Where is the real problem? Why this rape occurs and why rape is wrong? Asking most friends, usually the Indian mindset answers you that rape occurs when a man, probably from the poor background, rural, uneducated comes across a girl wearing short skirts, possibly drunk, outside late at night. It is important for the girl to be under western influence to be raped. Why rape is wrong? Because it violates her dignity honour of family, community and nation's respect. So are we protecting women for the right reasons? If we think that the problem of rape occurs because of the violation of gender norms, we are still thinking that men need to protect women and it is the men who are failing to protect enough. Then we end up having campaigns like real men don't rape, protecting women is a religion, but the obvious problem is that a man has to choose whether to protect the woman or not. The woman herself has no agency and no say. If we think rape is a violation of gender-based boundaries and if we think that women shouldn't be out in certain hours and women should be staying at home, then, do women have the right to occupy public place? Politicians say rape happens in 'India' but not 'Bharat.' They are placing India within a specific religious, moral, cultural and ethical framework and tell us that the rapes happen due to western influence. The message of not wearing inappropriate dresses is always visible and it is inappropriate culturally. People like you and me agree rape is wrong but you don't have to be a rapist to be a part of the problem. Thinking of rape is wrong because of wrong reasons are also part of the problem. Rape is not about sex, but it's a social disease. Right in the centre of Delhi, there is a place called GB road. GB road exists 3 km from the parliament. There are 5000 women, there are 90 brothels and there are 600 odd children and nobody wants to talk about it. The women working there entertain at least 30 men in a day. A police station exists just 100 meters away. The system knows and the police know what is happening in the centre of Delhi, but it can't really stop rapes for sure. We have a much larger social disease, a product of power imbalances, caste, religion and imbalances of gender and identity. If your responses are nested in those exact power structures, If you want to resolve by strengthening the exact same power structure then you are part of the problem and further the problem. For India rape is a problem because its the matter of honour, that's why marital rape is still not illegal in India. Culture, religion, family and every institution won't debate about it because it doesn't violate our so-called 'culture.' Rape is wrong in India because of the problem of honour, that is why a Khap Panchayat in Haryana also thinks rape is the way to give justice. Panchayats have been outrageously okay to come up with punishments to gang rape a girl that could affect her family and community's reputation and honour. This is why rape is used as a political tool. By raping a woman you are damaging the community's honour but nobody cares about the woman. In Gurgaon, a new rule was introduced in 2014, women couldn't work after 8 pm and all it did is that it strengthened the social framework that leads to leaving women objectified and vulnerable. Rape is wrong but not for the right reasons. Rape is a violation of an individual's rights. It is important to understand why rape is wrong and don't just stay as part of the problem. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

India rape crisis: Are we part of the problem?

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