A new report by UK watchdog has revealed that police officers in London were caught sharing messages on raping women and making racist and homophobic remarks.

The report, carried out by England’s Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), found that the male officers used to share text messages about raping their female colleagues.

It is being alleged that the officers also shared messages about turning “African babies” into dog food, comparing the Holocaust to killing flies, and boasting about beating up “Somalian rats.”

The messages were shared among a group of up to 19 officers between 2016 and 2018, with the hateful and offensive remarks as part of a Metropolitan (Met) police officers’ culture that needed to be rooted out, the IOPC said.

In its report, which was released Tuesday morning, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, or IOPC, concluded: “We believe these incidents are not isolated or simply the behaviour of a few ‘bad apples’... The culture of bullying appears to have been accepted and not challenged.”

The report was released as part of an inquiry that started around four years ago after an officer allegedly raped&nbsp;a vulnerable woman inside a police station in London, according to BBC News.

The panel investigated 14 officers, but only two were dismissed for gross misconduct. Another two resigned and an unspecified number of them faced disciplinary action, The Guardian reported.

The IOPC said that some officers even tried to pass of the remarks as “banter”.

The Met police officers have been under pressure over its lax handling of the lockdown-breaking allegations against the prime minister over the past few weeks.

(With inputs from agencies)

A new report by UK watchdog has revealed that police officers in London were caught sharing messages on raping women and making racist and homophobic remarks. The report, carried out by England’s Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), found that the male officers used to share text messages about raping their female colleagues.

A new report by UK watchdog has revealed that police officers in London were caught sharing messages on raping women and making racist and homophobic remarks. The report, carried out by England’s Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), found that the male officers used to share text messages about raping their female colleagues. It is being alleged that the officers also shared messages about turning “African babies” into dog food, comparing the Holocaust to killing flies, and boasting about beating up “Somalian rats.” The messages were shared among a group of up to 19 officers between 2016 and 2018, with the hateful and offensive remarks as part of a Metropolitan (Met) police officers’ culture that needed to be rooted out, the IOPC said. In its report, which was released Tuesday morning, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, or IOPC, concluded: “We believe these incidents are not isolated or simply the behaviour of a few ‘bad apples’... The culture of bullying appears to have been accepted and not challenged.” The report was released as part of an inquiry that started around four years ago after an officer allegedly raped a vulnerable woman inside a police station in London, according to BBC News. The panel investigated 14 officers, but only two were dismissed for gross misconduct. Another two resigned and an unspecified number of them faced disciplinary action, The Guardian reported. The IOPC said that some officers even tried to pass of the remarks as “banter”. The Met police officers have been under pressure over its lax handling of the lockdown-breaking allegations against the prime minister over the past few weeks. (With inputs from agencies)

Jokes on rape, racist, homophobic: Watchdog finds shocking revelations on conduct of London cops

More than 100 rapes reported every day while one woman is murdered every three hours in South Africa as the country battles a "second pandemic".

High levels of violence against women in South Africa

South Africa is not just affected by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic but is also deeply plagued with increasing rape and sexual abuse cases. It has the world's highest levels of violence against women. As per the official data, there are over 100 rapes reported daily. Also, on average, a woman is murdered every three hours.

The recent stats revealed an increase of 7.1 per cent in rape cases, with 9,556 women raped between July and September.&nbsp; 
President Cyril Ramaphosa deemed the recent stats as "shameful."&nbsp;

He further said that violence against women is a "second pandemic."

"We are in the grip of a relentless war being waged on the bodies of women and children that, despite our best efforts, shows no signs of abating. If a nation's character can be judged by how it treats women and children, then we are falling desperately short," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-surges-to-375-as-typhoon-rai-causes-destruction-in-philippines-438442">Also read |&nbsp;Death toll surges to 375 as typhoon Rai causes destruction in Philippines</a>

The statistics show that about a third of girls in South Africa will have to go through some form of sexual abuse during their lifetime. Also, one in five children will be sexually assaulted.&nbsp;

The rate of child murders has also surged by nearly a third as compared to the previous reporting period.

Precious Robinson, from Right to Care and chairperson of the South African Civil Society for Women’s, Adolescents’ and Children’s Health said that it is very unfortunate that such cases are never reported. “Some cultures have this tendency of saying if a thing happens within a family, let’s not take it out. It’s a secret, it’s a family issue. Families will often worry about what people will say if they hear about it,” she said.

A 2010 study revealed that 25.3 per cent of women in Gauteng province had been “raped by a man, whether a husband or boyfriend, family member, stranger or acquaintance”.&nbsp;

This has also contributed to the worsening mental health conditions as many survivors are shocked and traumatised.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

South Africa is not just affected by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic but is also deeply plagued with increasing rape and sexual abuse cases. It has the world's highest levels of violence against women.

South Africa is not just affected by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic but is also deeply plagued with increasing rape and sexual abuse cases. It has the world's highest levels of violence against women. As per the official data, there are over 100 rapes reported daily. Also, on average, a woman is murdered every three hours. The recent stats revealed an increase of 7.1 per cent in rape cases, with 9,556 women raped between July and September. President Cyril Ramaphosa deemed the recent stats as "shameful." He further said that violence against women is a "second pandemic." "We are in the grip of a relentless war being waged on the bodies of women and children that, despite our best efforts, shows no signs of abating. If a nation's character can be judged by how it treats women and children, then we are falling desperately short," he said. Also read | Death toll surges to 375 as typhoon Rai causes destruction in Philippines The statistics show that about a third of girls in South Africa will have to go through some form of sexual abuse during their lifetime. Also, one in five children will be sexually assaulted. The rate of child murders has also surged by nearly a third as compared to the previous reporting period. Precious Robinson, from Right to Care and chairperson of the South African Civil Society for Women’s, Adolescents’ and Children’s Health said that it is very unfortunate that such cases are never reported. “Some cultures have this tendency of saying if a thing happens within a family, let’s not take it out. It’s a secret, it’s a family issue. Families will often worry about what people will say if they hear about it,” she said. A 2010 study revealed that 25.3 per cent of women in Gauteng province had been “raped by a man, whether a husband or boyfriend, family member, stranger or acquaintance”. This has also contributed to the worsening mental health conditions as many survivors are shocked and traumatised. (With inputs from agencies)

'A second pandemic': South Africa plagued by surging rape and abuse cases

An Indian politician, Ramesh Kumar, has come under fire over his callous remark about rape in the southern state of Karnataka.

Former assembly speaker and senior leader of the Congress party, Kumar&nbsp;while speaking during the state assembly session on Thursday, had stated, "When rape is inevitable, lie down and enjoy it."

Since then, he has apologised for his remark.&nbsp;Expressing regret, on Friday, Kumar said&nbsp;"My intention was never to demean the prestige of this House or behave in an inferior way. I will not defend myself. I tender my sincere apology for my utterance during the proceedings of the House if it has hurt people from any part of the country."&nbsp;

However, the casual approach of the leaders in the session on a sensitive subject like rape has been criticised by progressive thinkers and women activists.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bhutan-confers-its-highest-civilian-award-on-indian-pm-narendra-modi-437571" hreflang="en">Bhutan confers highest civilian honour on Indian PM Modi, thanks him for support</a>

Center of Indian Trade Union (CITU) President Varalakshmi S. termed the remark "condemnable."

"It is a matter of dignity and respect for the House. This example should not have been given. We did not expect such a demeaning comment from a senior leader like Ramesh Kumar. If at all he had made it inadvertently, he should gracefully withdraw it," she demanded.

The remark was made as legislators were vying to initiate a discussion about the flood situation in the state and what relief measures should be taken.&nbsp;

In the Karnataka state assembly, after repeated appeals for decorum went unanswered, speaker Vishveshwara Hegde Kageri requested that the members decide amongst themselves before they voiced their concerns.

At this juncture, Speaker Kageri addressing former speaker Ramesh Kumar stated: "You know I am now in 'let's enjoy the situation` mode. I am finding it very difficult to control the House. I will have to throw all rules, guidelines into the air and allow everyone to talk on the topic of their choice at the session. I will have to say yes to everything."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vijay-divas-history-significance-and-the-glory-437424" hreflang="en">Vijay Divas: History, significance and the glory</a>

At this, Ramesh Kumar stood up and addressed the chair saying: "There is a saying. When rape is inevitable, lie down and enjoy it." To the shock of women MLAs, he further stated "that's exactly the position into which you are."

Surprisingly, the speaker Kageri smiled at the remark and the whole group laughed along with him.

"We are seeing casual remarks on women being made in common situations. While using abuses they address females, the issue needs to be addressed," the CITU state president opined.

A number of women MLAs from both the Congress and BJP have expressed their concern that the sensitive and serious subject of 'rape' was being discussed in a light-hearted manner. They condemned the casual and chauvinistic approach to what they termed "an inhuman act" that needs to be looked at seriously.

Smriti Irani, Union Minister for Women and Child Development, also condemned the Karnataka Congress MLA's remarks, calling them "shameful", and daring Congress to expel him from the party.

On social media too this controversial, insensitive remark has drawn sharp criticism, with netizens not only calling out Kumar, but also the assembly speaker,&nbsp;Vishveshwara Hegde Kageri who hails from the BJP party.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Why only Ramesh Kumar?! 
 
What about the speaker &amp; other members in the house to laughed on it
— Rebel (@RebelloAnil) <a href="https://twitter.com/RebelloAnil/status/1471781839534575616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Aren't people writing letters to Sonia Gandhi <a href="https://twitter.com/priyankagandhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@priyankagandhi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RahulGandhi</a> about Ramesh Kumar on what he said or are we afraid you politicians ? What can't the women of both houses roundup these people at the gate of the parliament and ask <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SackRameshKumar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SackRameshKumar</a> to be sacked
— BALBIR SINGH 🇮🇳 (@balbir59) <a href="https://twitter.com/balbir59/status/1471784096812601345?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Amit, what the hell was BJP Speaker Kageri doing, he also laughed. I am a hardcore BJP supporter, but this disappoints.Sack Kageri and condemn in the strongest terms what Ramesh Kumar did. You make a fool of yourself by only condemning Ramesh Kumar but not calling out BJP Speaker
— AwakeHindu (@vyasa1968) <a href="https://twitter.com/vyasa1968/status/1471783438906658816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Congress should expel Karnataka MLA K.R. Ramesh Kumar from party for his unfortunate statement on rape, even after his apology.
— Dr.A.C.Jha. (@JhaAvesh) <a href="https://twitter.com/JhaAvesh/status/1471780360765640708?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Criminals/Misogynist are in Position of policy making. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RameshKumar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RameshKumar</a> mindset is disgraceful, toxic..He should be expelled from politics for normalizing Violence against women also the speaker tolerating such behaviour in the assembly. <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RahulGandhi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/priyankagandhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@priyankagandhi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@INCIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/qrHjBcTSPY">https://t.co/qrHjBcTSPY</a>
— Judith Anne Lal Wakeman (@Judithwakeman1) <a href="https://twitter.com/Judithwakeman1/status/1471781718109523969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2021</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

An Indian politician, Ramesh Kumar, has come under fire over his callous remark about rape in the southern state of Karnataka. Former assembly speaker and senior leader of the Congress party, Kumar while speaking during the state assembly session on Thursday, had stated, "When rape is inevitable, lie down and enjoy it.

An Indian politician, Ramesh Kumar, has come under fire over his callous remark about rape in the southern state of Karnataka. Former assembly speaker and senior leader of the Congress party, Kumar while speaking during the state assembly session on Thursday, had stated, "When rape is inevitable, lie down and enjoy it." Since then, he has apologised for his remark. Expressing regret, on Friday, Kumar said "My intention was never to demean the prestige of this House or behave in an inferior way. I will not defend myself. I tender my sincere apology for my utterance during the proceedings of the House if it has hurt people from any part of the country." However, the casual approach of the leaders in the session on a sensitive subject like rape has been criticised by progressive thinkers and women activists. Also read | Bhutan confers highest civilian honour on Indian PM Modi, thanks him for support Center of Indian Trade Union (CITU) President Varalakshmi S. termed the remark "condemnable." "It is a matter of dignity and respect for the House. This example should not have been given. We did not expect such a demeaning comment from a senior leader like Ramesh Kumar. If at all he had made it inadvertently, he should gracefully withdraw it," she demanded. The remark was made as legislators were vying to initiate a discussion about the flood situation in the state and what relief measures should be taken. In the Karnataka state assembly, after repeated appeals for decorum went unanswered, speaker Vishveshwara Hegde Kageri requested that the members decide amongst themselves before they voiced their concerns. At this juncture, Speaker Kageri addressing former speaker Ramesh Kumar stated: "You know I am now in 'let's enjoy the situation` mode. I am finding it very difficult to control the House. I will have to throw all rules, guidelines into the air and allow everyone to talk on the topic of their choice at the session. I will have to say yes to everything." Also read | Vijay Divas: History, significance and the glory At this, Ramesh Kumar stood up and addressed the chair saying: "There is a saying. When rape is inevitable, lie down and enjoy it." To the shock of women MLAs, he further stated "that's exactly the position into which you are." Surprisingly, the speaker Kageri smiled at the remark and the whole group laughed along with him. "We are seeing casual remarks on women being made in common situations. While using abuses they address females, the issue needs to be addressed," the CITU state president opined. A number of women MLAs from both the Congress and BJP have expressed their concern that the sensitive and serious subject of 'rape' was being discussed in a light-hearted manner. They condemned the casual and chauvinistic approach to what they termed "an inhuman act" that needs to be looked at seriously. Smriti Irani, Union Minister for Women and Child Development, also condemned the Karnataka Congress MLA's remarks, calling them "shameful", and daring Congress to expel him from the party. On social media too this controversial, insensitive remark has drawn sharp criticism, with netizens not only calling out Kumar, but also the assembly speaker, Vishveshwara Hegde Kageri who hails from the BJP party. Why only Ramesh Kumar?! What about the speaker & other members in the house to laughed on it — Rebel (@RebelloAnil) December 17, 2021 × Aren't people writing letters to Sonia Gandhi @priyankagandhi @RahulGandhi about Ramesh Kumar on what he said or are we afraid you politicians ? What can't the women of both houses roundup these people at the gate of the parliament and ask #SackRameshKumar to be sacked — BALBIR SINGH 🇮🇳 (@balbir59) December 17, 2021 × Amit, what the hell was BJP Speaker Kageri doing, he also laughed. I am a hardcore BJP supporter, but this disappoints.Sack Kageri and condemn in the strongest terms what Ramesh Kumar did. You make a fool of yourself by only condemning Ramesh Kumar but not calling out BJP Speaker — AwakeHindu (@vyasa1968) December 17, 2021 × Congress should expel Karnataka MLA K.R. Ramesh Kumar from party for his unfortunate statement on rape, even after his apology. — Dr.A.C.Jha. (@JhaAvesh) December 17, 2021 × Criminals/Misogynist are in Position of policy making. #RameshKumar mindset is disgraceful, toxic..He should be expelled from politics for normalizing Violence against women also the speaker tolerating such behaviour in the assembly. @RahulGandhi @priyankagandhi @INCIndia https://t.co/qrHjBcTSPY — Judith Anne Lal Wakeman (@Judithwakeman1) December 17, 2021 × (With inputs from agencies)

'Shameful' rape remark in India's state assembly draws ire

A viral video from Pakistan's Faisalabad claimed to show 'women being paraded naked.' CCTV footage from the site reveals the women disrobed themselves. Who is the real victim in this story? Palki Sharma has this to say.

Gravitas: Faisalabad Shocker: A tale of two videos

In a bizarre move, a US county school admin seems to have charged an exorbitant fee of $36,000 from a woman to provide information on sexual assault and rape. &nbsp;

Now, the parent, Michelle Mege, has filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request with the Loudon County Public School District. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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In the district, the mother wanted to search for any kind of communication, such as press releases, statements or emails, that used the words "sexual assault" or "rape" from May 1 to October 18 this year. &nbsp;

According to an official of the school, the exorbitant fee needed to review documents derived from the hourly rate of around $72.15. &nbsp;

In an email reviewed by the ‘Daily Caller', Loudoun County Public Schools public information officer Wayde Byard, said, "Retrieving these documents would take a half hour’s work by the supervisor of information technology at a cost of $36.08. Review of these documents – at the rate of 200 per hour – is estimated to take 500 hours." &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/michigan-shooting-suspects-parents-charged-with-involuntary-manslaughter-433972" hreflang="en">Michigan shooting suspect’s parents charged with involuntary manslaughter</a>

"This work would be performed by the public information officer at the rate of $72.15 per hour. Loudoun County Public Schools estimates it would cost $36,111.68 to fulfill this request," he explained. &nbsp;

There may be a little over 100,000 documents, which could possibly relate to the request, claimed Byard. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a bizarre move, a US county school admin seems to have charged an exorbitant fee of $36,000 from a woman to provide information on sexual assault and rape. Now, the parent, Michelle Mege, has filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request with the Loudon County Public School District.

In a bizarre move, a US county school admin seems to have charged an exorbitant fee of $36,000 from a woman to provide information on sexual assault and rape. Now, the parent, Michelle Mege, has filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request with the Loudon County Public School District. Also Read | Changing with times: US creditors can now DM loan defaulters In the district, the mother wanted to search for any kind of communication, such as press releases, statements or emails, that used the words "sexual assault" or "rape" from May 1 to October 18 this year. According to an official of the school, the exorbitant fee needed to review documents derived from the hourly rate of around $72.15. In an email reviewed by the ‘Daily Caller', Loudoun County Public Schools public information officer Wayde Byard, said, "Retrieving these documents would take a half hour’s work by the supervisor of information technology at a cost of $36.08. Review of these documents – at the rate of 200 per hour – is estimated to take 500 hours." Also Read: Michigan shooting suspect’s parents charged with involuntary manslaughter "This work would be performed by the public information officer at the rate of $72.15 per hour. Loudoun County Public Schools estimates it would cost $36,111.68 to fulfill this request," he explained. There may be a little over 100,000 documents, which could possibly relate to the request, claimed Byard. (With inputs from agencies)

US county school admin charges $36,000 from woman to give info on ‘sexual assault,’ ‘rape’

Alice Sebold, the bestselling author of the memoir “Lucky” and the novel “The Lovely Bones,” apologized publicly Tuesday to a man who was wrongly convicted of raping her in 1982 after she had identified him in court as her attacker.

The apology came eight days after the conviction of the man, Anthony Broadwater, was vacated by a state court judge in Syracuse, New York, who concluded, in consultation with the local district attorney and Broadwater’s lawyers, that the case against him was deeply flawed.

As a result of the conviction, Broadwater, 61, spent 16 years in prison before being released in 1998 and was forced to register as a sex offender.

In a statement posted on the website Medium, Sebold, who described the rape and the ensuing trial in “Lucky,” said she regretted having “unwittingly” played a part in “a system that sent an innocent man to jail.”

“I am sorry most of all for the fact that the life you could have led was unjustly robbed from you,” she wrote. “And I know that no apology can change what happened to you and never will. It has taken me these past eight days to comprehend how this could have happened.”

Sebold’s statement was reported earlier by The Associated Press. Her publisher, Scribner, said she was not available for additional comment.

Scribner said last week that it had no plans to update the memoir’s text based on Broadwater’s exoneration. But on Tuesday, the company said it would cease distribution of “Lucky” while it and Sebold “consider how the work might be revised.”

Broadwater, in an interview with The New York Times on Tuesday, said he was “relieved and grateful” for Sebold’s apology.

“It took a lot of courage, and I guess she’s brave and weathering through the storm like I am,” he said. “To make that statement, it’s a strong thing for her to do, understanding that she was a victim and I was a victim too.”

Sebold was 18 and a student at Syracuse University when the rape that led to Broadwater’s wrongful conviction occurred.

In “Lucky,” which was published in 1999, she gives a searing account of the assault and of the trauma she subsequently endured. She also writes in detail about the trial and about how she became convinced she had recognized Broadwater, whom she referred to with a pseudonym in the book, as her attacker after passing him on the street months after the rape.

The memoir chronicles mishaps in the case, including the fact that a composite sketch of her attacker, based on her description, did not resemble him. The book also describes Sebold’s fear that the prosecution might be derailed after she identified a different man, not Broadwater, in a police lineup.

Later, she identified Broadwater as her attacker in court. After a brief trial, he was convicted of first-degree rape and five other charges.

“Lucky” started Sebold’s career and paved the way for her breakout novel, “The Lovely Bones,” which also centers on sexual assault. It has sold millions of copies and was made into a feature film.

Although Sebold gave Broadwater the fictitious name Gregory Madison in the memoir, he said he had been forced to suffer the stigma of being branded a sex offender even after being released from prison.

He had always insisted he was innocent and was denied parole several times for refusing to acknowledge guilt. He took two polygraph tests, decades apart, with experts who determined that his account was truthful.

He tried repeatedly over the years to hire lawyers to help prove his innocence. Those efforts were unsuccessful until recently, when a planned film adaptation of “Lucky” helped raise new questions about the case.

Timothy Mucciante, who was working as executive producer on the film version, said in an interview with the Times that he had started to doubt Sebold’s account after reading the memoir and the script earlier this year.

Mucciante said he had been struck by how little evidence was presented at Broadwater’s trial. He said he had been fired from the production after raising questions about the story. (The feature film was dropped after losing its financing, Variety reported.)

“It seemed like Anthony was wronged,” Mucciante told the Times.

Mucciante hired a private investigator, Dan Myers, who had spent 20 years with the sheriff’s office in Onondaga County, New York, before retiring as a detective in 2020. After finding and interviewing Broadwater, Myers became convinced he had been falsely accused.

Myers, who shares office space with a law firm, recommended that Broadwater hire one of the lawyers there, J. David Hammond. Hammond reviewed the investigation and agreed that there was a strong argument for setting the conviction aside.

In their motion to vacate the conviction, Hammond and a second lawyer, Melissa K. Swartz, argued that the case rested entirely on two flawed elements: Sebold’s courtroom identification of Broadwater and a now-discredited method of microscopic hair analysis.

Mucciante’s production company, Red Badge Films, is now working on a documentary about the case, “Unlucky,” with a second production company, Red Hawk Films. Broadwater and those who helped vacate the conviction are also participating.

In her statement, Sebold expressed sorrow that in seeking justice for herself, she had harmed Broadwater beyond the 16 years he was incarcerated “in ways that further serve to wound and stigmatize, nearly a full life sentence.”

She also sounded anguished over a question that remains unresolved.

“I will also grapple,” she wrote, “with the fact that my rapist will, in all likelihood, never be known.”

Alice Sebold, the bestselling author of the memoir “Lucky” and the novel “The Lovely Bones,” apologized publicly Tuesday to a man who was wrongly convicted of raping her in 1982 after she had identified him in court as her attacker.

Alice Sebold, the bestselling author of the memoir “Lucky” and the novel “The Lovely Bones,” apologized publicly Tuesday to a man who was wrongly convicted of raping her in 1982 after she had identified him in court as her attacker. The apology came eight days after the conviction of the man, Anthony Broadwater, was vacated by a state court judge in Syracuse, New York, who concluded, in consultation with the local district attorney and Broadwater’s lawyers, that the case against him was deeply flawed. As a result of the conviction, Broadwater, 61, spent 16 years in prison before being released in 1998 and was forced to register as a sex offender. In a statement posted on the website Medium, Sebold, who described the rape and the ensuing trial in “Lucky,” said she regretted having “unwittingly” played a part in “a system that sent an innocent man to jail.” “I am sorry most of all for the fact that the life you could have led was unjustly robbed from you,” she wrote. “And I know that no apology can change what happened to you and never will. It has taken me these past eight days to comprehend how this could have happened.” Sebold’s statement was reported earlier by The Associated Press. Her publisher, Scribner, said she was not available for additional comment. Scribner said last week that it had no plans to update the memoir’s text based on Broadwater’s exoneration. But on Tuesday, the company said it would cease distribution of “Lucky” while it and Sebold “consider how the work might be revised.” Broadwater, in an interview with The New York Times on Tuesday, said he was “relieved and grateful” for Sebold’s apology. “It took a lot of courage, and I guess she’s brave and weathering through the storm like I am,” he said. “To make that statement, it’s a strong thing for her to do, understanding that she was a victim and I was a victim too.” Sebold was 18 and a student at Syracuse University when the rape that led to Broadwater’s wrongful conviction occurred. In “Lucky,” which was published in 1999, she gives a searing account of the assault and of the trauma she subsequently endured. She also writes in detail about the trial and about how she became convinced she had recognized Broadwater, whom she referred to with a pseudonym in the book, as her attacker after passing him on the street months after the rape. The memoir chronicles mishaps in the case, including the fact that a composite sketch of her attacker, based on her description, did not resemble him. The book also describes Sebold’s fear that the prosecution might be derailed after she identified a different man, not Broadwater, in a police lineup. Later, she identified Broadwater as her attacker in court. After a brief trial, he was convicted of first-degree rape and five other charges. “Lucky” started Sebold’s career and paved the way for her breakout novel, “The Lovely Bones,” which also centers on sexual assault. It has sold millions of copies and was made into a feature film. Although Sebold gave Broadwater the fictitious name Gregory Madison in the memoir, he said he had been forced to suffer the stigma of being branded a sex offender even after being released from prison. He had always insisted he was innocent and was denied parole several times for refusing to acknowledge guilt. He took two polygraph tests, decades apart, with experts who determined that his account was truthful. He tried repeatedly over the years to hire lawyers to help prove his innocence. Those efforts were unsuccessful until recently, when a planned film adaptation of “Lucky” helped raise new questions about the case. Timothy Mucciante, who was working as executive producer on the film version, said in an interview with the Times that he had started to doubt Sebold’s account after reading the memoir and the script earlier this year. Mucciante said he had been struck by how little evidence was presented at Broadwater’s trial. He said he had been fired from the production after raising questions about the story. (The feature film was dropped after losing its financing, Variety reported.) “It seemed like Anthony was wronged,” Mucciante told the Times. Mucciante hired a private investigator, Dan Myers, who had spent 20 years with the sheriff’s office in Onondaga County, New York, before retiring as a detective in 2020. After finding and interviewing Broadwater, Myers became convinced he had been falsely accused. Myers, who shares office space with a law firm, recommended that Broadwater hire one of the lawyers there, J. David Hammond. Hammond reviewed the investigation and agreed that there was a strong argument for setting the conviction aside. In their motion to vacate the conviction, Hammond and a second lawyer, Melissa K. Swartz, argued that the case rested entirely on two flawed elements: Sebold’s courtroom identification of Broadwater and a now-discredited method of microscopic hair analysis. Mucciante’s production company, Red Badge Films, is now working on a documentary about the case, “Unlucky,” with a second production company, Red Hawk Films. Broadwater and those who helped vacate the conviction are also participating. In her statement, Sebold expressed sorrow that in seeking justice for herself, she had harmed Broadwater beyond the 16 years he was incarcerated “in ways that further serve to wound and stigmatize, nearly a full life sentence.” She also sounded anguished over a question that remains unresolved. “I will also grapple,” she wrote, “with the fact that my rapist will, in all likelihood, never be known.”

Alice Sebold apologises to man wrongly convicted of raping her

Pakistan's parliament has passed a new legislation that may subject sex offenders convicted of multiple rapes to chemical castration. The legislation has been passed with an aim to speed up convictions and impose tougher sentences.

The bill was passed after a public outcry against recent increase in incidents of rape of women and children. There was a growing demand for effectively curbing crime.

Almost a year ago, Pakistan President Arif Alvi had approved anti-rape ordinance that was cleared by Pakistan Cabinet. The ordinance called for chemical castration of rapist

The new Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill 2021 bill was passed along with 33 other bills by the joint session of parliament on Wednesday. It seeks to amend the Pakistan Penal Code, 1860, and the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, the Dawn newspaper reported.

"Chemical castration is a process duly notified by rules framed by the prime minister, whereby a person is rendered incapable of performing sexual intercourse for any period of his life, as may be determined by the court through administration of drugs which shall be conducted through a notified medical board," according to the bill.

Jamaat-i-Islami Senator Mushtaq Ahmed protested over the bill and termed it un-Islamic and against Sharia. 
He said a rapist should be hanged publicly, but there was no mention of castration in Sharia.

Chemical castration is the use of drugs to reduce sexual activity. It is a legal form of punishment in countries including South Korea, Poland, the Czech Republic and in some states in the US, according to media reports.

Critics say fewer than 4 per cent of sexual assault or rape cases in Pakistan result in a conviction.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan's parliament has passed a new legislation that may subject sex offenders convicted of multiple rapes to chemical castration. The legislation has been passed with an aim to speed up convictions and impose tougher sentences.

Pakistan's parliament has passed a new legislation that may subject sex offenders convicted of multiple rapes to chemical castration. The legislation has been passed with an aim to speed up convictions and impose tougher sentences. The bill was passed after a public outcry against recent increase in incidents of rape of women and children. There was a growing demand for effectively curbing crime. Almost a year ago, Pakistan President Arif Alvi had approved anti-rape ordinance that was cleared by Pakistan Cabinet. The ordinance called for chemical castration of rapist The new Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill 2021 bill was passed along with 33 other bills by the joint session of parliament on Wednesday. It seeks to amend the Pakistan Penal Code, 1860, and the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, the Dawn newspaper reported. "Chemical castration is a process duly notified by rules framed by the prime minister, whereby a person is rendered incapable of performing sexual intercourse for any period of his life, as may be determined by the court through administration of drugs which shall be conducted through a notified medical board," according to the bill. Jamaat-i-Islami Senator Mushtaq Ahmed protested over the bill and termed it un-Islamic and against Sharia. He said a rapist should be hanged publicly, but there was no mention of castration in Sharia. Chemical castration is the use of drugs to reduce sexual activity. It is a legal form of punishment in countries including South Korea, Poland, the Czech Republic and in some states in the US, according to media reports. Critics say fewer than 4 per cent of sexual assault or rape cases in Pakistan result in a conviction. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan parliament passes bill for chemical castration of habitual rapists 

French prosecutors have opened an inquiry to investigate allegations of a female soldier who was part of President Emmanuel Macron’s defence staff.

According to French media, the woman was allegedly raped by a colleague at a party at the president's Élysée Palace in July.

According to reports, Macron was present at the farewell party, but shortly left after giving a brief speech.

Some of the guests later went on to the premises of the president's personal military staff in an annex to the palace, which is where the sexual attack allegedly took place.

The young woman immediately went to a nearby police station after the alleged assault and reported the rape that night.

The alleged victim and attacker were colleagues and deployed at the high-security office at the Élysée Palace dealing with sensitive government matters.

A presidential official told the AFP news agency that “as soon as the authorities were aware of these claims, measures were immediately taken” to support the alleged victim.

Both the woman and the accused have been moved to other duties, the palace has said.

Macron’s office would await judicial investigations before deciding on any further action, an official told news agencies.

Macron has vowed to tackle the problem of violence against women, and his government introduced&nbsp;a new law setting the age of consent at 15&nbsp;in response to the scandals this March.

He is expected to stand for a second term as president in elections scheduled for April 2022, although he has yet to declare his candidacy.

(With inputs from agencies)

French prosecutors have opened an inquiry to investigate allegations of a female soldier who was part of President Emmanuel Macron’s defence staff. According to French media, the woman was allegedly raped by a colleague at a party at the president's Élysée Palace in July.

French prosecutors have opened an inquiry to investigate allegations of a female soldier who was part of President Emmanuel Macron’s defence staff. According to French media, the woman was allegedly raped by a colleague at a party at the president's Élysée Palace in July. According to reports, Macron was present at the farewell party, but shortly left after giving a brief speech. Some of the guests later went on to the premises of the president's personal military staff in an annex to the palace, which is where the sexual attack allegedly took place. The young woman immediately went to a nearby police station after the alleged assault and reported the rape that night. The alleged victim and attacker were colleagues and deployed at the high-security office at the Élysée Palace dealing with sensitive government matters. A presidential official told the AFP news agency that “as soon as the authorities were aware of these claims, measures were immediately taken” to support the alleged victim. Both the woman and the accused have been moved to other duties, the palace has said. Macron’s office would await judicial investigations before deciding on any further action, an official told news agencies. Macron has vowed to tackle the problem of violence against women, and his government introduced a new law setting the age of consent at 15 in response to the scandals this March. He is expected to stand for a second term as president in elections scheduled for April 2022, although he has yet to declare his candidacy. (With inputs from agencies)

French authorities probe rape allegations of woman who was part of President Macron’s military staff

In a bizarre incident, a woman attempted to commit suicide at a district and sessions court in Lahore on Tuesday. The woman pleaded she had no money to pursue a case against her husband, who had allegedly raped their daughter. &nbsp;

On July 8, 2021, the suspect was arrested by police in Lahore after the woman had approached the Nishtar Colony police station, accusing him of raping one of their three daughters, who had been staying with him during the couple's temporary separation. In total, the couple have five children. &nbsp;

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In the police complaint, the woman had said her husband had been raping his 15-year-old daughter for a year. He also made several threats, which forced her to remain tight-lipped about the ordeal. &nbsp;

In the latest development in the case, the woman arrived at the sessions court for seeking justice and attempted to self-immolate, but was stopped at the right time by people present in the premises of the court. She said she didn't have money to bear the expenses of pursuing the case. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/after-t20-wc-win-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-takes-a-dig-at-india-over-improving-ties-424028" hreflang="en">After T20 WC win, Pakistan PM takes a dig at India over improving ties</a>

The woman alleged that her husband had been threatening her that he would rape daughters too after serving the jail term. &nbsp;

Sessions court judge Habibullah Amir took notice of the situation and sought a report from the court's security in-charge Abid Hussain. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a bizarre incident, a woman attempted to commit suicide at a district and sessions court in Lahore on Tuesday. The woman pleaded she had no money to pursue a case against her husband, who had allegedly raped their daughter.

In a bizarre incident, a woman attempted to commit suicide at a district and sessions court in Lahore on Tuesday. The woman pleaded she had no money to pursue a case against her husband, who had allegedly raped their daughter. On July 8, 2021, the suspect was arrested by police in Lahore after the woman had approached the Nishtar Colony police station, accusing him of raping one of their three daughters, who had been staying with him during the couple's temporary separation. In total, the couple have five children. Also Read: Pak PM Imran Khan names new ISI chief, ending fallout with army In the police complaint, the woman had said her husband had been raping his 15-year-old daughter for a year. He also made several threats, which forced her to remain tight-lipped about the ordeal. In the latest development in the case, the woman arrived at the sessions court for seeking justice and attempted to self-immolate, but was stopped at the right time by people present in the premises of the court. She said she didn't have money to bear the expenses of pursuing the case. Also Read: After T20 WC win, Pakistan PM takes a dig at India over improving ties The woman alleged that her husband had been threatening her that he would rape daughters too after serving the jail term. Sessions court judge Habibullah Amir took notice of the situation and sought a report from the court's security in-charge Abid Hussain. (With inputs from agencies)

Seeking justice, Pak woman attempts suicide at court in Lahore after husband 'rapes' daughter

Kashmiris remember October 22, 1947 as the day of commencement of hell, till Indian soldiers rushed in to protect them. October 22, 1947 was when six to seven thousand Pakistani raiders, backed by the Pakistan army, which had embedded some of its soldiers within the raiders, crossed the Neelam River and began looting, plundering, raping, kidnapping and killing thousands of innocents, all with the intention of capturing Kashmir under the code name of Operation Gulmarg. Pakistan’s 7 Infantry Division was located close by seeking to exploit success achieved by its raiders. The target was to capture all territory upto the Banihal Pass. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
With Kashmir still an independent state, India could only watch as atrocities mounted. It was only when Srinagar was under direct threat did Maharaja Hari Singh, accede to India and Indian forces landed in Srinagar on October 27. The end result was that Kashmir, which till then was a paradise and had people of all religions living in harmony became a hell. Pakistan’s actions divided the state into Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir and Jammu and Kashmir, a scenario which continues to date. By the end of the war over 35,000 Kashmiri’s from all religions were killed, thousands were kidnapped and taken to western Pakistan to be sold as slaves.&nbsp;

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Parents in Kashmir gave poison or killed their daughters to save them from Pakistani invaders. A survivor from the 1947 massacre, Suchwant Singh, then a resident of Kotli in Muzaffarabad district, states that his mother and sister were shot dead by their uncle to, ‘save them from rape and painful death,’ at the hands of Pakistani raiders. There are many more survivors from all religions for whom the horrors of the period continue to haunt. Those who recounted the incidents of the period state that the raiders claimed they were liberators but in reality, they were there to pillage, rape and loot. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Pakistan, which blames India for not adhering to UN resolutions was the first to back down from implementing the resolution passed in May 1948. Knowing it was hated on both sides of the LOC and the resolution would be detrimental to its interests, it refused to withdraw troops as the first step in the resolution. Today, this shameless nation, responsible for mass killings and rapes, desires the same resolution to be implemented.&nbsp;

Pakistan continues to breed terrorist groups which claim innocent lives in Kashmir, all on the pretext that Kashmiri’s desire to be a part of Pakistan. It brought anti-national elements with illicit funds to incite violence and turned religion into a dividing factor. It attempted the same in Bangladesh in 1971 but failed miserably and was compelled into the largest surrender post the Second World War. It will never succeed in Kashmir too as the people of the region have understood Pakistan’s dirty games.

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The BBC news, in an article titled, ‘Partition 70 years hence: When tribal warriors invaded Kashmir,’ of Oct 2017 mentions, ‘Pakistan repeated this strategy in Kashmir in 1965, during the Kashmir insurgency of 1988-2003, as well as in the Kargil War of 1999. It also used non-state actors in Afghanistan. But instead of liberating Kashmir or taming Afghanistan, it has led to the weakening of political processes, and has militarised society not only in Kashmir and Afghanistan, but also in Pakistan.’ Pakistan’s security issues, unrest in its western provinces, protests in POK and Sindh are a fallout of its philosophy of employing terrorism as an instrument of state policy.&nbsp;

The treachery of Pakistan impacted not only Kashmir but also Baluchistan. On August 12, 1947, it signed a standstill agreement with Kashmir, promising not to disturb its Status Quo, only to break it two weeks later by threatening it to join Pakistan. It launched Operation Gulmarg on October 22. This was repeated in 1948. Pakistan signed a similar standstill agreement with the Khan of Kalat on August 4, 1947, assuring that it would be an independent country. Like in the case of Kashmir, it broke that agreement, too and in March 1948 invaded and forcibly annexed Baluchistan. The Balochis fight for freedom stems from dishonouring of agreements by Pakistan.

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Throughout its history, Pakistan has been known to break agreements. The latest is hosting Osama Bin Laden as a state guest and backing the Taliban with coalition funds from the US to target US forces, despite claiming to be a member in the fight against global terrorism. Pakistan’s pro-terrorist policies have been the bane of the region and grew from the world not sanctioning it for its misdeeds.&nbsp;

The incidents of 1947 were largely ignored by the world still grappling to pick up pieces after the Second World War. Kashmir was the last agenda for the global community. The fact that this was ignored, and Pakistan not chastised led to it breaking its agreement with the Khan of Kalat in 1948, Bangladesh genocide in 1971, killing of innocents in Baluchistan and Waziristan that goes on even today. Also, support to Taliban and Islamic State (Khorasan province) in Afghanistan leading to mass killing of innocents. Its support to terrorists operating in Kashmir is leading to loss of innocent lives.&nbsp;

It is time for the world to back Bangladesh’s call and term 25th March as world genocide day and globally recognise October 22 as black day. In addition, Pakistan must be sanctioned for its strategy of supporting terrorist groups operating across the region. Unless this is done, Pakistan will not change and innocent lives in the region will always be lost.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Kashmiris remember October 22, 1947 as the day of commencement of hell, till Indian soldiers rushed in to protect them. October 22, 1947 was when six to seven thousand Pakistani raiders, backed by the Pakistan army, which had embedded some of its soldiers within the raiders, crossed the Neelam River and began looting, plundering, raping, kidnapping and killing thousands of innocents, all with the intention of capturing Kashmir under the code name of Operation Gulmarg.

Kashmiris remember October 22, 1947 as the day of commencement of hell, till Indian soldiers rushed in to protect them. October 22, 1947 was when six to seven thousand Pakistani raiders, backed by the Pakistan army, which had embedded some of its soldiers within the raiders, crossed the Neelam River and began looting, plundering, raping, kidnapping and killing thousands of innocents, all with the intention of capturing Kashmir under the code name of Operation Gulmarg. Pakistan’s 7 Infantry Division was located close by seeking to exploit success achieved by its raiders. The target was to capture all territory upto the Banihal Pass. With Kashmir still an independent state, India could only watch as atrocities mounted. It was only when Srinagar was under direct threat did Maharaja Hari Singh, accede to India and Indian forces landed in Srinagar on October 27. The end result was that Kashmir, which till then was a paradise and had people of all religions living in harmony became a hell. Pakistan’s actions divided the state into Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir and Jammu and Kashmir, a scenario which continues to date. By the end of the war over 35,000 Kashmiri’s from all religions were killed, thousands were kidnapped and taken to western Pakistan to be sold as slaves. Also Read | Opinion | Moscow talks are a chance for India to influence Afghan situation Parents in Kashmir gave poison or killed their daughters to save them from Pakistani invaders. A survivor from the 1947 massacre, Suchwant Singh, then a resident of Kotli in Muzaffarabad district, states that his mother and sister were shot dead by their uncle to, ‘save them from rape and painful death,’ at the hands of Pakistani raiders. There are many more survivors from all religions for whom the horrors of the period continue to haunt. Those who recounted the incidents of the period state that the raiders claimed they were liberators but in reality, they were there to pillage, rape and loot. Pakistan, which blames India for not adhering to UN resolutions was the first to back down from implementing the resolution passed in May 1948. Knowing it was hated on both sides of the LOC and the resolution would be detrimental to its interests, it refused to withdraw troops as the first step in the resolution. Today, this shameless nation, responsible for mass killings and rapes, desires the same resolution to be implemented. Pakistan continues to breed terrorist groups which claim innocent lives in Kashmir, all on the pretext that Kashmiri’s desire to be a part of Pakistan. It brought anti-national elements with illicit funds to incite violence and turned religion into a dividing factor. It attempted the same in Bangladesh in 1971 but failed miserably and was compelled into the largest surrender post the Second World War. It will never succeed in Kashmir too as the people of the region have understood Pakistan’s dirty games. Also Read | Opinion | The Battle for the soul of Islam: Will the real reformer of the faith stand up? The BBC news, in an article titled, ‘Partition 70 years hence: When tribal warriors invaded Kashmir,’ of Oct 2017 mentions, ‘Pakistan repeated this strategy in Kashmir in 1965, during the Kashmir insurgency of 1988-2003, as well as in the Kargil War of 1999. It also used non-state actors in Afghanistan. But instead of liberating Kashmir or taming Afghanistan, it has led to the weakening of political processes, and has militarised society not only in Kashmir and Afghanistan, but also in Pakistan.’ Pakistan’s security issues, unrest in its western provinces, protests in POK and Sindh are a fallout of its philosophy of employing terrorism as an instrument of state policy. The treachery of Pakistan impacted not only Kashmir but also Baluchistan. On August 12, 1947, it signed a standstill agreement with Kashmir, promising not to disturb its Status Quo, only to break it two weeks later by threatening it to join Pakistan. It launched Operation Gulmarg on October 22. This was repeated in 1948. Pakistan signed a similar standstill agreement with the Khan of Kalat on August 4, 1947, assuring that it would be an independent country. Like in the case of Kashmir, it broke that agreement, too and in March 1948 invaded and forcibly annexed Baluchistan. The Balochis fight for freedom stems from dishonouring of agreements by Pakistan. Also Read | Two months of Taliban 2.0: Challenges and threats Throughout its history, Pakistan has been known to break agreements. The latest is hosting Osama Bin Laden as a state guest and backing the Taliban with coalition funds from the US to target US forces, despite claiming to be a member in the fight against global terrorism. Pakistan’s pro-terrorist policies have been the bane of the region and grew from the world not sanctioning it for its misdeeds. The incidents of 1947 were largely ignored by the world still grappling to pick up pieces after the Second World War. Kashmir was the last agenda for the global community. The fact that this was ignored, and Pakistan not chastised led to it breaking its agreement with the Khan of Kalat in 1948, Bangladesh genocide in 1971, killing of innocents in Baluchistan and Waziristan that goes on even today. Also, support to Taliban and Islamic State (Khorasan province) in Afghanistan leading to mass killing of innocents. Its support to terrorists operating in Kashmir is leading to loss of innocent lives. It is time for the world to back Bangladesh’s call and term 25th March as world genocide day and globally recognise October 22 as black day. In addition, Pakistan must be sanctioned for its strategy of supporting terrorist groups operating across the region. Unless this is done, Pakistan will not change and innocent lives in the region will always be lost. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion | October 22, 1947, the black day of Pakistani atrocities in Kashmir

Passengers on a Philadelphia train looked on as a woman was raped in broad daylight. Why did no one help? Why did no one call the police? Another day, another instance of society failing women. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Passengers looked on as a woman was raped

In a terrific incident, a woman was raped by a stranger on a commuter train in suburban Philadelphia in the presence of other riders who a police official said, "should have done something." Several passengers saw the accused assaulting the woman but they did not intervene, the 35-year-old accused is now facing the charges.

United States: Woman raped on train, Septa riders watch

Fighting for justice for women, the state of California has declared that anyone who secretly removes a condom during sex without verbal consent from their partner will be charged with civil sexual battery offense.<o:p></o:p>

With the hope of providing more rights for victims of sexual assault, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed two new laws that tackle ‘stealthing’ and spousal rape.<o:p></o:p>

Introduced by Democratic Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia, removing a condom secretly without a verbal consent from the partner will now be prohibited and illegal under AB 453. Victims of stealthing can now sue the person who removed the condom against violation for damages and relief.

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"Sexual assaults, especially those on women of color, are perpetually swept under the rug," Garcia said in a&nbsp;statement. "...It's disgusting that there are online communities that defend and encourage stealthing and give advice on how to get away with removing the condom without the consent of their partner."&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

People found guilty of stealthing can now be held liable for general, special and punitive damages according to the law.<o:p></o:p>

This law has been brought into place after a 2017 Yale study revealed that women and men around the world have been victims of stealthing. Victims were not just worried about getting pregnant or getting infected by sexually transmitted diseases, but also felt that the experience was "disempowering, demeaning violation of a sexual agreement".

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/status-of-women-and-state-of-feminism-in-china-419602">Status of women and state of feminism in China</a></o:p>

California has also become the first state to differentiate between spousal rape and non-spousal rape. Earlier, rape was defined as an act of sexual intercourse forced upon a person by anyone other than their spouse. However, now if the partner does not give consent for sexual intercourse that will be made illegal under the new spousal rape law. The latest law has eliminated the provision to include spousal rape under the definition of rape.<o:p></o:p>

"Rape is rape," Assemblywoman Garcia said in a&nbsp;statement. "And a marriage license is not an excuse for committing one of society's most violent and sadistic crimes. AB 1171 will mandate adherence to a law that will protect vulnerable spouses in a union."&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

Fighting for justice for women, the state of California has declared that anyone who secretly removes a condom during sex without verbal consent from their partner will be charged with civil sexual battery offense.

Fighting for justice for women, the state of California has declared that anyone who secretly removes a condom during sex without verbal consent from their partner will be charged with civil sexual battery offense. With the hope of providing more rights for victims of sexual assault, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed two new laws that tackle ‘stealthing’ and spousal rape. Introduced by Democratic Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia, removing a condom secretly without a verbal consent from the partner will now be prohibited and illegal under AB 453. Victims of stealthing can now sue the person who removed the condom against violation for damages and relief. Also read | Spanish doctor writes 'current illness: homosexual' for a gay woman "Sexual assaults, especially those on women of color, are perpetually swept under the rug," Garcia said in a statement. "...It's disgusting that there are online communities that defend and encourage stealthing and give advice on how to get away with removing the condom without the consent of their partner." People found guilty of stealthing can now be held liable for general, special and punitive damages according to the law. This law has been brought into place after a 2017 Yale study revealed that women and men around the world have been victims of stealthing. Victims were not just worried about getting pregnant or getting infected by sexually transmitted diseases, but also felt that the experience was "disempowering, demeaning violation of a sexual agreement". Also read | Status of women and state of feminism in China California has also become the first state to differentiate between spousal rape and non-spousal rape. Earlier, rape was defined as an act of sexual intercourse forced upon a person by anyone other than their spouse. However, now if the partner does not give consent for sexual intercourse that will be made illegal under the new spousal rape law. The latest law has eliminated the provision to include spousal rape under the definition of rape. "Rape is rape," Assemblywoman Garcia said in a statement. "And a marriage license is not an excuse for committing one of society's most violent and sadistic crimes. AB 1171 will mandate adherence to a law that will protect vulnerable spouses in a union."

California becomes first state to ban secret removal of condom during sex

A&nbsp;US judge has recommended dismissing the civil rape case against Cristiano Ronaldo over an incident in Las Vegas more than a decade ago.

Kathryn Mayorga, a former model, alleges Ronaldo attacked her in a hotel room in 2009. The Portuguese international has always denied allegations of sexual assault, insisting their encounter was consensual.

The criminal case against the Manchester United forward was dropped two years ago, with prosecutors saying there was no likelihood of conviction.&nbsp;But Mayorga, who has waived her right to anonymity, took up a civil action for damages. In a recommendation filed Wednesday, magistrate judge Daniel Albregts recommended that Ronaldo’s motion to terminate the case be granted.

Albregts, whose recommendation will be reviewed by a separate judge who is actually hearing the case, blamed Mayorga’s lawyers for the move, saying they had based their case on leaked communications between Ronaldo and his legal team, which were privileged.

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“Dismissing Mayorga’s case for the inappropriate conduct of her attorney is a harsh result," Albregts wrote.

But “if the court does not grant case-terminating sanctions, (her lawyer’s) actions could have far-reaching, dangerous consequences on the legitimacy of the judicial process."

Ronaldo’s lawyer Peter Christiansen welcomed the recommendation. “We are pleased with the court’s detailed review of this matter and its willingness to justly apply the law to the facts and recommend dismissal of the civil case against Mr. Ronaldo," he said.

There was no immediate response to an AFP request for comment from Mayorga’s lawyers.

A US judge has recommended dismissing the civil rape case against Cristiano Ronaldo over an incident in Las Vegas more than a decade ago. Kathryn Mayorga, a former model, alleges Ronaldo attacked her in a hotel room in 2009.

A US judge has recommended dismissing the civil rape case against Cristiano Ronaldo over an incident in Las Vegas more than a decade ago. Kathryn Mayorga, a former model, alleges Ronaldo attacked her in a hotel room in 2009. The Portuguese international has always denied allegations of sexual assault, insisting their encounter was consensual. The criminal case against the Manchester United forward was dropped two years ago, with prosecutors saying there was no likelihood of conviction. But Mayorga, who has waived her right to anonymity, took up a civil action for damages. In a recommendation filed Wednesday, magistrate judge Daniel Albregts recommended that Ronaldo’s motion to terminate the case be granted. Albregts, whose recommendation will be reviewed by a separate judge who is actually hearing the case, blamed Mayorga’s lawyers for the move, saying they had based their case on leaked communications between Ronaldo and his legal team, which were privileged. ALSO READ | Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo: Best football transfers in the summer of 2021 “Dismissing Mayorga’s case for the inappropriate conduct of her attorney is a harsh result," Albregts wrote. But “if the court does not grant case-terminating sanctions, (her lawyer’s) actions could have far-reaching, dangerous consequences on the legitimacy of the judicial process." Ronaldo’s lawyer Peter Christiansen welcomed the recommendation. “We are pleased with the court’s detailed review of this matter and its willingness to justly apply the law to the facts and recommend dismissal of the civil case against Mr. Ronaldo," he said. There was no immediate response to an AFP request for comment from Mayorga’s lawyers.

Huge relief for Cristiano Ronaldo! US Judge recommends dismissing rape case against Man Utd's striker

At the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, hundreds of students protested outside a fraternity house in August after a student reported a sexual assault by one of its members to the police.

At Northwestern University, in Evanston, Illinois, demonstrations erupted Sunday after several students said they had been drugged at two fraternities. Northwestern suspended recruitment and social events at on-campus fraternity houses.

At the University of Massachusetts Amherst, rumours about a sexual assault prompted hundreds of students to show up outside the Theta Chi fraternity house, chanting an expletive, middle fingers raised. Some protesters overturned a car, and two students were arrested.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/8-arrested-in-fraternity-pledges-alcohol-poisoning-death-says-police-416134">8 arrested in fraternity pledge’s alcohol-poisoning death, says police</a>

These protests were just part of a series of similar demonstrations against fraternities that have occurred this fall — not at small liberal arts colleges, but at big universities with powerful fraternity cultures, like Syracuse University in New York and the public universities of Kansas, Iowa and Mississippi.

Some protests are responding to recent formal reports of sexual assault. A few are driven by anonymous reports on social media, which fraternities say lack credibility, and which universities say they must take seriously, given the reluctance of some victims to report an assault.

But many protesters are not fighting what they see as a single case of rape or violence. Nor are many interested in disciplinary measures, doled out case by case.

Rather, many students, feeling newly empowered after the #MeToo movement and the Black Lives Matter protests, say they want an overhaul of campus life.

“A lot of students on campus want to see the fraternity completely abolished,” said Rebecca Evans, a sophomore at the University of Iowa who helps run U for Us, which supports sexual assault victims at the university.

Fraternity officials say they understand the depth of the students’ anger about sexual assault, but that protesters are not seeing the whole picture.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/worlds-third-oldest-english-speaking-university-erupts-in-controversy-after-former-students-allege-sexual-assault-313164">World's third-oldest English speaking university erupts in controversy after former students allege sexual assault</a>

“We have our challenges no doubt, just like the governors of states, just like people who are in media, just like pro athletes, just like entertainment,” said Judson Horras, president and CEO of the North American Interfraternity Conference, the largest trade association of fraternities. He added, “We are being labeled for a problem that is frankly much larger than a fraternity issue.”

Fraternity officials say that while police and university investigations are continuing, their chapters have acted swiftly and decisively. The accused student at the University of Nebraska dropped out of school and is no longer a member of the chapter, according to the Interfraternity Conference.

“So many fraternity men are appalled by this behavior,” Horras said, adding that fraternity brothers who expelled members should be supported and encouraged, not targeted by protests.

“They did the right thing,” Horras said. “The protests should be directed at the behavior.”

Horras said the Interfraternity Conference had taken specific steps to stop sexual misconduct. It requires fraternity members to receive sexual misconduct education, and since the fall of 2019, it has banned the consumption of hard alcohol at fraternity parties and houses.

Fraternity members are told, he said, “You report the incident immediately because we want to have a culture of openness and accountability of individuals.”

But fraternities have impassioned opponents. The protests are in a similar vein to “Abolish Greek Life” movements that have sprung up over the past year at universities like Emory, American and North Carolina. And the entering class of college students seems more intense and unyielding than that of the students who entered just before them, students say.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/harvey-weinstein-again-pleads-not-guilty-to-sexual-assault-charges-414665">Harvey Weinstein again pleads not guilty to sexual assault charges</a>

Sohaila Ammar and Katie Robertson, both first-year students at UMass, used Instagram to build support for demonstrations on their campus after a friend passed on the accusation that a woman had been drugged and sexually assaulted. They think the pent-up energy of the coronavirus pandemic has been transferred to the protests.

“People are conditioned to be, ‘Oh, that’s how it is, that’s college culture,’” Robertson said. “My generation is a lot less tolerant of things that have happened in the past.”

“I feel like we’re a lot more radical even than the juniors and seniors, a lot more bold and forward,” Ammar said.

Sexual assault was widely discussed on platforms like TikTok over the past year of the pandemic, said Shivali Mashar, 21, a senior at UMass. And, she said, the suspicion of historically white, male-dominated institutions — like the police — has been mobilized against largely white, male-dominated fraternities.

“Whether it be girls who have experienced sexual assault at a fraternity party or Black Americans with the police, both of these groups have been violently targeted in different ways,” she said. They are not the same, she said, just that, “for a long time, this has been swept under the rug.”

Fraternities point out that they are part of a vibrant campus life — by giving students a sense of belonging on a big campus, by raising donations and helping students in their careers.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prince-andrew-has-received-legal-papers-for-sexual-assault-charges-415834">Prince Andrew has received legal papers for sexual assault charges</a>

While sexual assault on campuses is said to be underreported, research on fraternities and sexual violence is thin. Some data shows that more than a quarter of female undergraduate students — and almost 7 per cent of their male counterparts — will “experience rape or sexual assault through physical force, violence, or incapacitation,” according to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network, an advocacy group.

But some research also suggests that violence is more closely tied to alcohol abuse and peer support than to anything intrinsic to belonging to a fraternity.

Recent protests have coincided with the return of the anonymous messaging app Yik Yak in mid-August after it was discontinued four years ago. While the app is popular on college campuses because it is location-based, the anonymity it thrives on does not make it easy for protesters, administrators or police to substantiate any accusation.

At the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, hundreds of students protested outside a fraternity house in August after a student reported a sexual assault by one of its members to the police.

At the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, hundreds of students protested outside a fraternity house in August after a student reported a sexual assault by one of its members to the police. At Northwestern University, in Evanston, Illinois, demonstrations erupted Sunday after several students said they had been drugged at two fraternities. Northwestern suspended recruitment and social events at on-campus fraternity houses. At the University of Massachusetts Amherst, rumours about a sexual assault prompted hundreds of students to show up outside the Theta Chi fraternity house, chanting an expletive, middle fingers raised. Some protesters overturned a car, and two students were arrested. Also read | 8 arrested in fraternity pledge’s alcohol-poisoning death, says police These protests were just part of a series of similar demonstrations against fraternities that have occurred this fall — not at small liberal arts colleges, but at big universities with powerful fraternity cultures, like Syracuse University in New York and the public universities of Kansas, Iowa and Mississippi. Some protests are responding to recent formal reports of sexual assault. A few are driven by anonymous reports on social media, which fraternities say lack credibility, and which universities say they must take seriously, given the reluctance of some victims to report an assault. But many protesters are not fighting what they see as a single case of rape or violence. Nor are many interested in disciplinary measures, doled out case by case. Rather, many students, feeling newly empowered after the #MeToo movement and the Black Lives Matter protests, say they want an overhaul of campus life. “A lot of students on campus want to see the fraternity completely abolished,” said Rebecca Evans, a sophomore at the University of Iowa who helps run U for Us, which supports sexual assault victims at the university. Fraternity officials say they understand the depth of the students’ anger about sexual assault, but that protesters are not seeing the whole picture. Also read | World's third-oldest English speaking university erupts in controversy after former students allege sexual assault “We have our challenges no doubt, just like the governors of states, just like people who are in media, just like pro athletes, just like entertainment,” said Judson Horras, president and CEO of the North American Interfraternity Conference, the largest trade association of fraternities. He added, “We are being labeled for a problem that is frankly much larger than a fraternity issue.” Fraternity officials say that while police and university investigations are continuing, their chapters have acted swiftly and decisively. The accused student at the University of Nebraska dropped out of school and is no longer a member of the chapter, according to the Interfraternity Conference. “So many fraternity men are appalled by this behavior,” Horras said, adding that fraternity brothers who expelled members should be supported and encouraged, not targeted by protests. “They did the right thing,” Horras said. “The protests should be directed at the behavior.” Horras said the Interfraternity Conference had taken specific steps to stop sexual misconduct. It requires fraternity members to receive sexual misconduct education, and since the fall of 2019, it has banned the consumption of hard alcohol at fraternity parties and houses. Fraternity members are told, he said, “You report the incident immediately because we want to have a culture of openness and accountability of individuals.” But fraternities have impassioned opponents. The protests are in a similar vein to “Abolish Greek Life” movements that have sprung up over the past year at universities like Emory, American and North Carolina. And the entering class of college students seems more intense and unyielding than that of the students who entered just before them, students say. Also read | Harvey Weinstein again pleads not guilty to sexual assault charges Sohaila Ammar and Katie Robertson, both first-year students at UMass, used Instagram to build support for demonstrations on their campus after a friend passed on the accusation that a woman had been drugged and sexually assaulted. They think the pent-up energy of the coronavirus pandemic has been transferred to the protests. “People are conditioned to be, ‘Oh, that’s how it is, that’s college culture,’” Robertson said. “My generation is a lot less tolerant of things that have happened in the past.” “I feel like we’re a lot more radical even than the juniors and seniors, a lot more bold and forward,” Ammar said. Sexual assault was widely discussed on platforms like TikTok over the past year of the pandemic, said Shivali Mashar, 21, a senior at UMass. And, she said, the suspicion of historically white, male-dominated institutions — like the police — has been mobilized against largely white, male-dominated fraternities. “Whether it be girls who have experienced sexual assault at a fraternity party or Black Americans with the police, both of these groups have been violently targeted in different ways,” she said. They are not the same, she said, just that, “for a long time, this has been swept under the rug.” Fraternities point out that they are part of a vibrant campus life — by giving students a sense of belonging on a big campus, by raising donations and helping students in their careers. Also read | Prince Andrew has received legal papers for sexual assault charges While sexual assault on campuses is said to be underreported, research on fraternities and sexual violence is thin. Some data shows that more than a quarter of female undergraduate students — and almost 7 per cent of their male counterparts — will “experience rape or sexual assault through physical force, violence, or incapacitation,” according to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network, an advocacy group. But some research also suggests that violence is more closely tied to alcohol abuse and peer support than to anything intrinsic to belonging to a fraternity. Recent protests have coincided with the return of the anonymous messaging app Yik Yak in mid-August after it was discontinued four years ago. While the app is popular on college campuses because it is location-based, the anonymity it thrives on does not make it easy for protesters, administrators or police to substantiate any accusation.

After rape accusations, fraternities face protests and growing anger

An elected county prosecutor in Pennsylvania who was charged Wednesday with rape in connection with an attack on a woman in her home left the residence only after she promised not to call the police, authorities said.

The Pennsylvania State Police said the Somerset County district attorney, Jeffrey L. Thomas, was charged with rape, indecent and simple assault, strangulation and criminal trespass in connection with the Sept. 18 attack in Windber, a borough that is about two hours east of Pittsburgh.

Thomas, 36, a Republican, was elected district attorney in 2019. His lawyer, Ryan Tutera, and a woman who answered the phone at the district attorney’s office Friday declined to comment on whether Thomas would step down.

A State Police report said Thomas used Snapchat to message the woman, who was not identified, and told her that he would be at her home in a few minutes. She responded that he was not welcome in her home and he entered “by subterfuge,” carrying several cans of beer, the report said.

He handed her an opened can of beer, and when he did not leave as she told him to, she slapped him, the police report said. Thomas struck her face, causing her nose to bleed. He then pulled down her sports bra and choked her before biting her breasts and raping her, the report said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-gunman-in-deadly-mass-shooting-at-kroger-in-tennessee-identified-as-29-year-old-store-vendor-415830">Also read |&nbsp;US: Gunman in deadly mass shooting at Kroger in Tennessee, identified as 29-year-old store vendor</a>

He grabbed the woman by her neck and hair and asked whether she was going to call the police, the report said. He eventually left only after she said she would not call the police, according to the report.

The police said that Thomas had known the woman for years “in a professional capacity,” and that he had repeatedly contacted her “to initiate a sexual relationship,” which she declined. Thomas had arrived at her house on a previous occasion and walked in uninvited and would also “routinely drive around her residence,” the police report said.

Josh Shapiro, the Pennsylvania attorney general, said in a statement that the charges against Thomas were “deeply disturbing,” adding that “today is a reminder that no one is above the law.”

He also commended the woman for being brave enough to come forward. “That is never an easy thing to do, especially when your abuser is a powerful elected official,” he said.

The court proceedings may be unusual as the plaintiff, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, was set to be represented by the Somerset County district attorney’s office, which Thomas led.

Tutera said Friday that all of the county’s magistrate judges would recuse themselves because of their previous work with Thomas’ office, and that the state might appoint a judge. Thomas had a preliminary hearing scheduled for Sept. 29, but Tutera said it would very likely be postponed.

Tutera said the woman drank beer and smoked marijuana with Thomas in her home, adding, “I think that there’s more to this story than meets the eye.” Thomas was released from jail Thursday morning after posting $5,000 bail, Tutera said.

In October 2020, Thomas was cited in Cambria County, which is north of Somerset County, for disorderly conduct and harassment, WJAC-TV reported.

He used obscene language at a pizza restaurant and later threatened to “engage in a physical altercation” at a gymnastics gym, the television station reported. The status of those citations was not immediately available Friday.

“Just because I am an elected official, I’m not supposed to get upset that my 5-year-old daughter’s birthday party gets screwed up,” he told the station in response to the citations. “That’s ridiculous.”

This is the second time this year that a Pennsylvania district attorney has been accused of sexual assault. In February, Chad M. Salsman, who was the district attorney in Bradford County, was accused of sexually assaulting clients from his private practice before he was elected district attorney in 2019. He pleaded guilty to some of the charges and resigned in May of this year, and was sentenced in July to 18 months to five years in prison.

An elected county prosecutor in Pennsylvania who was charged Wednesday with rape in connection with an attack on a woman in her home left the residence only after she promised not to call the police, authorities said.

An elected county prosecutor in Pennsylvania who was charged Wednesday with rape in connection with an attack on a woman in her home left the residence only after she promised not to call the police, authorities said. The Pennsylvania State Police said the Somerset County district attorney, Jeffrey L. Thomas, was charged with rape, indecent and simple assault, strangulation and criminal trespass in connection with the Sept. 18 attack in Windber, a borough that is about two hours east of Pittsburgh. Thomas, 36, a Republican, was elected district attorney in 2019. His lawyer, Ryan Tutera, and a woman who answered the phone at the district attorney’s office Friday declined to comment on whether Thomas would step down. A State Police report said Thomas used Snapchat to message the woman, who was not identified, and told her that he would be at her home in a few minutes. She responded that he was not welcome in her home and he entered “by subterfuge,” carrying several cans of beer, the report said. He handed her an opened can of beer, and when he did not leave as she told him to, she slapped him, the police report said. Thomas struck her face, causing her nose to bleed. He then pulled down her sports bra and choked her before biting her breasts and raping her, the report said. Also read | US: Gunman in deadly mass shooting at Kroger in Tennessee, identified as 29-year-old store vendor He grabbed the woman by her neck and hair and asked whether she was going to call the police, the report said. He eventually left only after she said she would not call the police, according to the report. The police said that Thomas had known the woman for years “in a professional capacity,” and that he had repeatedly contacted her “to initiate a sexual relationship,” which she declined. Thomas had arrived at her house on a previous occasion and walked in uninvited and would also “routinely drive around her residence,” the police report said. Josh Shapiro, the Pennsylvania attorney general, said in a statement that the charges against Thomas were “deeply disturbing,” adding that “today is a reminder that no one is above the law.” He also commended the woman for being brave enough to come forward. “That is never an easy thing to do, especially when your abuser is a powerful elected official,” he said. The court proceedings may be unusual as the plaintiff, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, was set to be represented by the Somerset County district attorney’s office, which Thomas led. Tutera said Friday that all of the county’s magistrate judges would recuse themselves because of their previous work with Thomas’ office, and that the state might appoint a judge. Thomas had a preliminary hearing scheduled for Sept. 29, but Tutera said it would very likely be postponed. Tutera said the woman drank beer and smoked marijuana with Thomas in her home, adding, “I think that there’s more to this story than meets the eye.” Thomas was released from jail Thursday morning after posting $5,000 bail, Tutera said. In October 2020, Thomas was cited in Cambria County, which is north of Somerset County, for disorderly conduct and harassment, WJAC-TV reported. He used obscene language at a pizza restaurant and later threatened to “engage in a physical altercation” at a gymnastics gym, the television station reported. The status of those citations was not immediately available Friday. “Just because I am an elected official, I’m not supposed to get upset that my 5-year-old daughter’s birthday party gets screwed up,” he told the station in response to the citations. “That’s ridiculous.” This is the second time this year that a Pennsylvania district attorney has been accused of sexual assault. In February, Chad M. Salsman, who was the district attorney in Bradford County, was accused of sexually assaulting clients from his private practice before he was elected district attorney in 2019. He pleaded guilty to some of the charges and resigned in May of this year, and was sentenced in July to 18 months to five years in prison.

Pennsylvania prosecutor charged in rape at woman’s home, police say

Dozens of Syrians who returned home from abroad have been subject to detention, disappearance and torture by security forces,&nbsp;Amnesty&nbsp;International&nbsp;said Tuesday, warning Syria is not yet safe for repatriation.

In a report titled&nbsp;“You’re going to your death,”&nbsp;the rights group documented a series of violations by security forces against 66 Syrians, including 13 children, who have returned since 2017.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explainer-the-cost-of-10-years-of-devastating-war-in-syria-387504">Explainer | The cost of 10 years of devastating war in Syria</a>

Amnesty&nbsp;said the cases proved "that no part of Syria is safe to return to."&nbsp;

"Syrian intelligence officers have subjected women, children and men returning to Syria to unlawful or arbitrary detention, torture and other ill-treatment, including rape and sexual violence, and enforced disappearance," the rights group said.&nbsp;

Among the cases listed, the rights group documented five cases of returnees who died in detention.

The fates of 17 others who were forcibly disappeared remain unknown,&nbsp;Amnesty&nbsp;said.

The rights group also documented 14 cases of sexual violence committed by security forces, including seven cases of rape, committed against five women, a teenage boy and a five-year-old girl. &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-cannot-take-new-refugee-burden-foreign-minister-says-409265">Turkey cannot take new refugee burden, foreign minister says</a>

“Any government claiming Syria is now safe is wilfully ignoring the horrific reality on the ground,"&nbsp;Amnesty&nbsp;said, calling on European governments to "immediately halt any practice directly or indirectly forcing people to return to Syria".

More than 6.6 million Syrians have sought refuge abroad since the start of the conflict in 2011, with most resettling in neighbouring countries such as Turkey and Lebanon.&nbsp;

Denmark, Sweden, and Turkey have recently upped the pressure on refugees to return home after a decade of war, arguing most of the country is now safe,&nbsp;Amnesty&nbsp;said.&nbsp;

The Syrians interviewed by&nbsp;Amnesty&nbsp;include returnees from Lebanon, which for years has exerted pressure on refugees to return.&nbsp;

The report cited testimony from a Syrian woman, Alaa, who was arrested along with her 25-year-old daughter at a border crossing as they came back from Lebanon.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/puppet-of-young-syrian-refugee-embarks-on-5000-mile-journey-401761/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The two were detained for five days.&nbsp;

“They removed my daughter’s clothes. They handcuffed her and hung her on the wall. They beat her. She was totally naked. One put his penis inside her mouth," the report quoted Alaa as saying.

Dozens of Syrians who returned home from abroad have been subject to detention, disappearance and torture by security forces, Amnesty International said Tuesday, warning Syria is not yet safe for repatriation.

Dozens of Syrians who returned home from abroad have been subject to detention, disappearance and torture by security forces, Amnesty International said Tuesday, warning Syria is not yet safe for repatriation. In a report titled “You’re going to your death,” the rights group documented a series of violations by security forces against 66 Syrians, including 13 children, who have returned since 2017. Also read | Explainer | The cost of 10 years of devastating war in Syria Amnesty said the cases proved "that no part of Syria is safe to return to." "Syrian intelligence officers have subjected women, children and men returning to Syria to unlawful or arbitrary detention, torture and other ill-treatment, including rape and sexual violence, and enforced disappearance," the rights group said. Among the cases listed, the rights group documented five cases of returnees who died in detention. The fates of 17 others who were forcibly disappeared remain unknown, Amnesty said. The rights group also documented 14 cases of sexual violence committed by security forces, including seven cases of rape, committed against five women, a teenage boy and a five-year-old girl. Also read | Turkey cannot take new refugee burden, foreign minister says “Any government claiming Syria is now safe is wilfully ignoring the horrific reality on the ground," Amnesty said, calling on European governments to "immediately halt any practice directly or indirectly forcing people to return to Syria". More than 6.6 million Syrians have sought refuge abroad since the start of the conflict in 2011, with most resettling in neighbouring countries such as Turkey and Lebanon. Denmark, Sweden, and Turkey have recently upped the pressure on refugees to return home after a decade of war, arguing most of the country is now safe, Amnesty said. The Syrians interviewed by Amnesty include returnees from Lebanon, which for years has exerted pressure on refugees to return. The report cited testimony from a Syrian woman, Alaa, who was arrested along with her 25-year-old daughter at a border crossing as they came back from Lebanon. The two were detained for five days. “They removed my daughter’s clothes. They handcuffed her and hung her on the wall. They beat her. She was totally naked. One put his penis inside her mouth," the report quoted Alaa as saying.

Returning Syrian refugees face torture, rape: Amnesty

In Ivory Coast, a show aired by a TV channel, has earned ire of numerous people after it tried to demonstrate a rape with the help of a male guest. &nbsp;

The guest was introduced as an ex-rapist, who showed how he assaulted his victims using a dummy. The programmme was shown at prime time on Monday by the private Nouvelle Chaine Ivorienne (NCI) channel. &nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;11 year-old boy co-pilots hot air balloons

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The programmme has sparked outrage and led to the signing of a petition by 37,500 people demanding that the presenters be punished. &nbsp;

The television channel has finally apologised. It has also cancelled the final episode of this particular show, which had been scheduled for Friday.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/black-men-executed-in-1951-rape-granted-posthumous-pardons-409967" hreflang="en">Black men executed in 1951 rape granted posthumous pardons</a>

The independent communications council of the country later also announced the suspension of popular presenter Yves de Mbella. In a statement, it said the segment used obscene language, condoned rape and attacked the dignity of women. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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On Facebook, de Mbella wrote “I’m sincerely sorry to have shocked everyone while trying to raise awareness. I made an error.” &nbsp;

“I’m also sorry for everything that was said or done during that sequence of the programme yesterday that hurt. I beg for forgiveness from all victims of rape,” the presenter said.&nbsp;

In Ivory Coast, a show aired by a TV channel, has earned ire of numerous people after it tried to demonstrate a rape with the help of a male guest. The guest was introduced as an ex-rapist, who showed how he assaulted his victims using a dummy.

In Ivory Coast, a show aired by a TV channel, has earned ire of numerous people after it tried to demonstrate a rape with the help of a male guest. The guest was introduced as an ex-rapist, who showed how he assaulted his victims using a dummy. The programmme was shown at prime time on Monday by the private Nouvelle Chaine Ivorienne (NCI) channel. Watch | 11 year-old boy co-pilots hot air balloons × The programmme has sparked outrage and led to the signing of a petition by 37,500 people demanding that the presenters be punished. The television channel has finally apologised. It has also cancelled the final episode of this particular show, which had been scheduled for Friday. Also Read: Black men executed in 1951 rape granted posthumous pardons The independent communications council of the country later also announced the suspension of popular presenter Yves de Mbella. In a statement, it said the segment used obscene language, condoned rape and attacked the dignity of women. × On Facebook, de Mbella wrote “I’m sincerely sorry to have shocked everyone while trying to raise awareness. I made an error.” “I’m also sorry for everything that was said or done during that sequence of the programme yesterday that hurt. I beg for forgiveness from all victims of rape,” the presenter said.

With guest, Ivory Coast TV channel’s presenter simulates rape, sparks outcry

Zimbabwe Police have charged a 26-year-old man of rape after a 15-year-old girl died while giving birth at a church shrine last month.

According to local media reports, the minor girl was buried last month at a church shrine in the eastern region of Marange. Her death sparked outrage among citizens and activists in Zimbabwe.

The girl’s parents are also accused of lying about her age and pledging their daughter to the same man, Hatirarami Momberume.

The girl’s parents have also been charged with obstructing justice and falsifying identification documents to conceal their daughter’s age.

Police spokesperson Paul Nyathi confirmed that Anna died on 15 July and was subsequently buried at the shrine.

“Investigations are in progress with a view of unravelling all the facts in this case,” The Guardian quoted a police statement as saying.

An online campaign is also trending on Twitter in Zimbabwe, and a petition to stop child marriage has received more than 92,000 signatures so far, reports the Guardian.

According to Amnesty International, <a href="https://www.amnesty.org/download/Documents/AFR4641122021ENGLISH.pdf">a</a>&nbsp;fifth of maternal deaths in Zimbabwe occur among girls aged 15 to 19.

Even though Zimbabwe’s constitutional court bans marriage under the age of 18, the UN in a report stated that one in three girls are still likely to be married before reaching that age.

Zimbabwe Police have charged a 26-year-old man of rape after a 15-year-old girl died while giving birth at a church shrine last month. According to local media reports, the minor girl was buried last month at a church shrine in the eastern region of Marange.

Zimbabwe Police have charged a 26-year-old man of rape after a 15-year-old girl died while giving birth at a church shrine last month. According to local media reports, the minor girl was buried last month at a church shrine in the eastern region of Marange. Her death sparked outrage among citizens and activists in Zimbabwe. The girl’s parents are also accused of lying about her age and pledging their daughter to the same man, Hatirarami Momberume. The girl’s parents have also been charged with obstructing justice and falsifying identification documents to conceal their daughter’s age. Police spokesperson Paul Nyathi confirmed that Anna died on 15 July and was subsequently buried at the shrine. “Investigations are in progress with a view of unravelling all the facts in this case,” The Guardian quoted a police statement as saying. An online campaign is also trending on Twitter in Zimbabwe, and a petition to stop child marriage has received more than 92,000 signatures so far, reports the Guardian. According to Amnesty International, a fifth of maternal deaths in Zimbabwe occur among girls aged 15 to 19. Even though Zimbabwe’s constitutional court bans marriage under the age of 18, the UN in a report stated that one in three girls are still likely to be married before reaching that age.

Zimbabwe: Man charged with rape after 15-year-old victim dies giving birth

The United Nations raised the alarm on Friday over widespread, systematic sexual violence in the southeastern Democratic Republic of Congo, saying women were reporting armed groups carrying out&nbsp;mass&nbsp;rape.

UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, said its staff were hearing horrific testimonies from forcibly displaced persons in the DR Congo's Tanganyika Province.

The agency is "gravely concerned about incidents of widespread and systematic sexual violence against Congolese women and girls", spokeswoman Shabia Mantoo told reporters in Geneva.

"In just the past two weeks, humanitarian partners in the Kongolo and Mbulula health zones, have recorded 243 incidents of&nbsp;rape, 48 of which involved minors, in 12 different villages."

The actual figures are thought to be even higher as reporting of gender-based violence remains a taboo in most communities.

"The attacks are reportedly being carried out by rival armed groups competing to maintain control over mining areas -- especially gold mines -- and as retaliation against government-led military operations," said Mantoo.

"Civilians find themselves trapped in the middle of intense confrontations between different groups.

"Our staff have heard horrific testimonies of extreme violence. Forcibly displaced persons have accused armed groups of carrying out&nbsp;mass&nbsp;rape&nbsp;as women attempt to flee their homes."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-issues-new-terrorism-threat-warning-ahead-of-911-anniversary-405276">Also read |&nbsp;US issues new terrorism threat warning ahead of 9/11 anniversary</a>

She said some women and girls had been abducted and used as sex slaves, while ransoms have been &nbsp;demanded from families in exchange for their freedom.

According to UN estimates, nearly 310,000 people have been uprooted by insecurity and violence and are currently displaced in Tanganyika Province.

Mantoo said more than 23,000 people had been displaced since May in the province's northern Kongolo Territory alone, according to local authorities, with most having fled insecurity multiple times.

The UNHCR called on the authorities to scale up security in the so-called "triangle of death" in the wider region to protect civilians, allow humanitarian access, and launch investigations to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The agency said it had received 36 percent of the $205 million needed for its operations in the DR Congo.

The United Nations raised the alarm on Friday over widespread, systematic sexual violence in the southeastern Democratic Republic of Congo, saying women were reporting armed groups carrying out mass rape.

The United Nations raised the alarm on Friday over widespread, systematic sexual violence in the southeastern Democratic Republic of Congo, saying women were reporting armed groups carrying out mass rape. UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, said its staff were hearing horrific testimonies from forcibly displaced persons in the DR Congo's Tanganyika Province. The agency is "gravely concerned about incidents of widespread and systematic sexual violence against Congolese women and girls", spokeswoman Shabia Mantoo told reporters in Geneva. "In just the past two weeks, humanitarian partners in the Kongolo and Mbulula health zones, have recorded 243 incidents of rape, 48 of which involved minors, in 12 different villages." The actual figures are thought to be even higher as reporting of gender-based violence remains a taboo in most communities. "The attacks are reportedly being carried out by rival armed groups competing to maintain control over mining areas -- especially gold mines -- and as retaliation against government-led military operations," said Mantoo. "Civilians find themselves trapped in the middle of intense confrontations between different groups. "Our staff have heard horrific testimonies of extreme violence. Forcibly displaced persons have accused armed groups of carrying out mass rape as women attempt to flee their homes." Also read | US issues new terrorism threat warning ahead of 9/11 anniversary She said some women and girls had been abducted and used as sex slaves, while ransoms have been demanded from families in exchange for their freedom. According to UN estimates, nearly 310,000 people have been uprooted by insecurity and violence and are currently displaced in Tanganyika Province. Mantoo said more than 23,000 people had been displaced since May in the province's northern Kongolo Territory alone, according to local authorities, with most having fled insecurity multiple times. The UNHCR called on the authorities to scale up security in the so-called "triangle of death" in the wider region to protect civilians, allow humanitarian access, and launch investigations to bring the perpetrators to justice. The agency said it had received 36 percent of the $205 million needed for its operations in the DR Congo.

UN raises alarm on 'mass rape' in southeast DR Congo

In a report released Wednesday, Amnesty International tells of the horrific abuse administered on women and girls in Tigray.&nbsp;

This report alleges that&nbsp;Ethiopian and Eritrean troops have&nbsp;raped hundreds of women and girls during the Tigray war, with some also being mutilated and sexually slaved.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tigray-rebels-reject-calls-to-leave-neighbouring-regions-403513">Tigray rebels reject calls to leave neighbouring regions</a>

Based on interviews of 63 survivors, it shines new light on a case that Ethiopian authorities have already begun investigating.

In May, according to the office of the attorney general, three soldiers had been convicted of rape and sentenced to prison sentences, while another 25 had been charged with rape and sexual violence.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Victims describe their ordeals. (TW: Graphic content)

Many survivors reported being gang-raped for days or weeks on end while being held captive. Others said being raped in front of their family members was the norm.

A number of women reported having nails and gravel inserted into their vaginal chambers,&nbsp;"causing lasting and possibly irreparable damage", Amnesty said.&nbsp;

Amnesty's secretary-general Agnes Callamard says that&nbsp;"It's clear that rape and sexual violence have been used as a weapon of war to inflict lasting physical and psychological damage on women and girls in&nbsp;Tigray,".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tigray-rebels-take-control-of-unesco-site-lalibela-residents-403258">Tigray rebels take control of UNESCO site Lalibela: Residents</a>

"Hundreds have been subjected to brutal treatment aimed at degrading and dehumanising them.&nbsp;

"The severity and scale of the sexual crimes committed are particularly shocking, amounting to war crimes and possible crimes against humanity."

The perpetrators

According to Amnesty, among those accused of rape are Ethiopian government's soldiers, troops from neighbour Eritrea and militia fighters from Ethiopia's Amhara region.

In addition to two dozen survivors who claim that Eritreans raped them, Amnesty has also received reports from survivors who claim that Eritreans and Ethiopians conspired.

"They raped us and starved us. There were too many who raped us in rounds," said one 21-year-old survivor who reported being held for 40 days.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-100000-children-in-ethiopias-tigray-could-die-of-hunger-unicef-401856">More than 100,000 children in Ethiopia's Tigray could die of hunger: UNICEF</a>

"We were around 30 women they took.... All of us were raped."&nbsp;

Why is the region in conflict?

There have been waves of violence in northern Ethiopia since November, when&nbsp;the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize winner,&nbsp;Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, led an invasion of Tigray to overthrow the regional ruling party, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF).&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopia-pm-abiy-ahmed-boasts-of-military-might-396002">Ethiopia: PM Abiy Ahmed boasts of military might</a>

According to Abiy TPLF attacks on federal camps prompted him to make the move.&nbsp;Eritrea has been backing&nbsp;up Abiy, which led to their troops entering the grim picture.&nbsp;

Due to the conflict, the humanitarian crisis has worsened greatly, with aid workers struggling to reach cut-off communities. UN officials estimate that 400,000 have been living in conditions that resemble famine.

Investigations ongoing&nbsp;

For the period of February to April 2021, Amnesty International says that regional health facilities report registering 1,288 cases of gender-based violence in Tigray, though doctors note that many survivors didn't come forward.

In an interview with AFP,&nbsp;&nbsp;Ethiopia's women's minister&nbsp;Filsan Abdullahi Ahmed&nbsp;said that it was up to law enforcement to find out how severe the problem was and who was at fault.

According to Filsan&nbsp;there's "no doubt" that rape has taken place in Tigray.&nbsp;In response, she has established a task force, which has since submitted a report to the Attorney General's office.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/horrific-human-rights-violations-reported-as-clashes-underway-between-govt-forces-tigray-rebels-403335/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"I think they are doing their best... They have to go and really study thoroughly before they identify who committed the crimes."

However, she added, "I would prefer them moving at a faster pace so I can say justice has been served, and I hope we will see justice being served."

(With inputs from agencies)

In a report released Wednesday, Amnesty International tells of the horrific abuse administered on women and girls in Tigray. This report alleges that Ethiopian and Eritrean troops have raped hundreds of women and girls during the Tigray war, with some also being mutilated and sexually slaved.

In a report released Wednesday, Amnesty International tells of the horrific abuse administered on women and girls in Tigray. This report alleges that Ethiopian and Eritrean troops have raped hundreds of women and girls during the Tigray war, with some also being mutilated and sexually slaved. Also read | Tigray rebels reject calls to leave neighbouring regions Based on interviews of 63 survivors, it shines new light on a case that Ethiopian authorities have already begun investigating. In May, according to the office of the attorney general, three soldiers had been convicted of rape and sentenced to prison sentences, while another 25 had been charged with rape and sexual violence. Victims describe their ordeals. (TW: Graphic content) Many survivors reported being gang-raped for days or weeks on end while being held captive. Others said being raped in front of their family members was the norm. A number of women reported having nails and gravel inserted into their vaginal chambers, "causing lasting and possibly irreparable damage", Amnesty said. Amnesty's secretary-general Agnes Callamard says that "It's clear that rape and sexual violence have been used as a weapon of war to inflict lasting physical and psychological damage on women and girls in Tigray,". Also read | Tigray rebels take control of UNESCO site Lalibela: Residents "Hundreds have been subjected to brutal treatment aimed at degrading and dehumanising them. "The severity and scale of the sexual crimes committed are particularly shocking, amounting to war crimes and possible crimes against humanity." The perpetrators According to Amnesty, among those accused of rape are Ethiopian government's soldiers, troops from neighbour Eritrea and militia fighters from Ethiopia's Amhara region. In addition to two dozen survivors who claim that Eritreans raped them, Amnesty has also received reports from survivors who claim that Eritreans and Ethiopians conspired. "They raped us and starved us. There were too many who raped us in rounds," said one 21-year-old survivor who reported being held for 40 days. Also read | More than 100,000 children in Ethiopia's Tigray could die of hunger: UNICEF "We were around 30 women they took.... All of us were raped." Why is the region in conflict? There have been waves of violence in northern Ethiopia since November, when the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize winner, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, led an invasion of Tigray to overthrow the regional ruling party, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF). Also read | Ethiopia: PM Abiy Ahmed boasts of military might According to Abiy TPLF attacks on federal camps prompted him to make the move. Eritrea has been backing up Abiy, which led to their troops entering the grim picture. Due to the conflict, the humanitarian crisis has worsened greatly, with aid workers struggling to reach cut-off communities. UN officials estimate that 400,000 have been living in conditions that resemble famine. Investigations ongoing For the period of February to April 2021, Amnesty International says that regional health facilities report registering 1,288 cases of gender-based violence in Tigray, though doctors note that many survivors didn't come forward. In an interview with AFP, Ethiopia's women's minister Filsan Abdullahi Ahmed said that it was up to law enforcement to find out how severe the problem was and who was at fault. According to Filsan there's "no doubt" that rape has taken place in Tigray. In response, she has established a task force, which has since submitted a report to the Attorney General's office. "I think they are doing their best... They have to go and really study thoroughly before they identify who committed the crimes." However, she added, "I would prefer them moving at a faster pace so I can say justice has been served, and I hope we will see justice being served." (With inputs from agencies)

Rape, Mutilation: Amnesty International submits report on gender-oriented crimes in Tigray

Hundreds of Swiss protesters rallied in Basel following a court's decision to reduce the sentence of a rapist who was convicted last month, saying that the assault lasted only 11 minutes.

Protesters holding signs reading "11 minutes are 11 minues too many" protested in front of the Swiss Appeals Court in Basel.

The sentence was reduced by the court citing the duration of the sexual assault, which it said "only" lasted 11 minutes, and the fact that the victim was not severely hurt.&nbsp;

In the case from last year, the woman was raped following a nightout at a nightclub. The assault took place in her apartment in Basel, northwest Switzerland. A 33-year-old Portuguese man and his 17-year-old companion were the culprits in the February 2020 incident.&nbsp;

In August, the 33-year-old was found guilty of rape, while the teenager has not been formally convicted and&nbsp;is still awaiting a juvenile court decision on his case.&nbsp;

Basel Social Democrats' vice president, Marcel Columb, tweeted that the rapist's sentence was already short and that the lessened jail time sent a wrong message to victims of sexual abuse.

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4 Jahre waren ja schon mild, doch nun auch noch eine Mitschuld aufgedrückt zu kriegen wegen dem Verhalten gegenüber einer unbeteiligten Person, ist unerträglich. 
Was für ein Zeichen für alle Opfer sexualisierter Gewalt. <a href="https://t.co/UTyVxsDvdo">https://t.co/UTyVxsDvdo</a>
— Marcel Colomb (@MarcelColomb) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarcelColomb/status/1421363434298429441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The court, presided over by&nbsp;Judge Liselotte Henz, opted to sentence the rapist to three years instead of four years and three months.&nbsp;

According to the judge, the perpetrator had a "medium" degree of fault in the incident.

Swiss newspaper 20 Minuten reported that the judge commented on an incident in which the victim may have been making out with another man in the nightclub,&nbsp;and said the victim gave off certain signals and was "playing with fire".

According to the newspaper, the defendant might be released on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The reduced sentence was met with widespread criticism.

In a statement,&nbsp;the Swiss feminist organisation Frauenstreik Basel said violence against a person comes from the perpetrator alone and is "humiliating" and "violent" no matter how long it lasts.

&nbsp;

Hundreds of Swiss protesters rallied in Basel following a court's decision to reduce the sentence of a rapist who was convicted last month, saying that the assault lasted only 11 minutes.

Hundreds of Swiss protesters rallied in Basel following a court's decision to reduce the sentence of a rapist who was convicted last month, saying that the assault lasted only 11 minutes. Protesters holding signs reading "11 minutes are 11 minues too many" protested in front of the Swiss Appeals Court in Basel. The sentence was reduced by the court citing the duration of the sexual assault, which it said "only" lasted 11 minutes, and the fact that the victim was not severely hurt. In the case from last year, the woman was raped following a nightout at a nightclub. The assault took place in her apartment in Basel, northwest Switzerland. A 33-year-old Portuguese man and his 17-year-old companion were the culprits in the February 2020 incident. In August, the 33-year-old was found guilty of rape, while the teenager has not been formally convicted and is still awaiting a juvenile court decision on his case. Basel Social Democrats' vice president, Marcel Columb, tweeted that the rapist's sentence was already short and that the lessened jail time sent a wrong message to victims of sexual abuse. 4 Jahre waren ja schon mild, doch nun auch noch eine Mitschuld aufgedrückt zu kriegen wegen dem Verhalten gegenüber einer unbeteiligten Person, ist unerträglich. Was für ein Zeichen für alle Opfer sexualisierter Gewalt. https://t.co/UTyVxsDvdo — Marcel Colomb (@MarcelColomb) July 31, 2021 × The court, presided over by Judge Liselotte Henz, opted to sentence the rapist to three years instead of four years and three months. According to the judge, the perpetrator had a "medium" degree of fault in the incident. Swiss newspaper 20 Minuten reported that the judge commented on an incident in which the victim may have been making out with another man in the nightclub, and said the victim gave off certain signals and was "playing with fire". According to the newspaper, the defendant might be released on Wednesday. The reduced sentence was met with widespread criticism. In a statement, the Swiss feminist organisation Frauenstreik Basel said violence against a person comes from the perpetrator alone and is "humiliating" and "violent" no matter how long it lasts.

Rape took ‘only 11 minutes’: Swiss court cuts jail term for culprit, women protest

In another controversy related to the Olympics 2020 games, a 30-year-old Uzbek man has been arrested over allegations of raping a woman in the Tokyo Olympic Stadium.

The man has been identified to be a university student and has been accused of raping a 20-year-old woman on Friday night.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-footballer-held-over-child-sex-allegations-399221" hreflang="en">Premier League footballer held over child sex allegations</a>

As per local reports, the victim got to know the suspect on the same day. She was attacked by the 30-year-old near the spectators’ seat at the stadium immediately after they finished watching a rehearsal of the opening ceremony.

The victim and the suspect have been reported to be part-time workers at the Olympics Games and had reportedly been working at the stadium before they sat down to watch the rehearsal.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-sports-buildup-to-tokyo-2020-with-manika-batra-399302">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-sports-buildup-to-tokyo-2020-with-manika-batra-399302/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

While an investigation has been launched into the allegations, the suspect denies the accusations by claiming the victim had not refused his advances.

This incident has happened just a few days before the Tokyo 2020 Olympics are about to kick off, after being delayed for about a year due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

In another controversy related to the Olympics 2020 games, a 30-year-old Uzbek man has been arrested over allegations of raping a woman in the Tokyo Olympic Stadium.

In another controversy related to the Olympics 2020 games, a 30-year-old Uzbek man has been arrested over allegations of raping a woman in the Tokyo Olympic Stadium. The man has been identified to be a university student and has been accused of raping a 20-year-old woman on Friday night. Also read | Premier League footballer held over child sex allegations As per local reports, the victim got to know the suspect on the same day. She was attacked by the 30-year-old near the spectators’ seat at the stadium immediately after they finished watching a rehearsal of the opening ceremony. The victim and the suspect have been reported to be part-time workers at the Olympics Games and had reportedly been working at the stadium before they sat down to watch the rehearsal. WATCH | While an investigation has been launched into the allegations, the suspect denies the accusations by claiming the victim had not refused his advances. This incident has happened just a few days before the Tokyo 2020 Olympics are about to kick off, after being delayed for about a year due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Woman raped in Tokyo Olympic Stadium; Uzbek man arrested

The Spanish government has approved legislation that toughens the country's law against rape. The government has decided to define all non-consensual acts of sex as sexual assault. The draft still requires parliamentary approval which is expected by the end of the year.

'Only Yes is yes': Spain criminalizes all sort of non-consensual sex

Putting an end to the fight for consent, Spain's cabinet has approved a draft bill that lays down strict rules&nbsp;against rape under false pretence and fake consent.

The new law states that only a direct 'yes' can be justified as consent for sexual intercourse. The absence of consent and a 'no' will not be ruled as 'justifications' in rape cases.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dowry-payments-still-largely-taking-place-in-india-world-bank-395969" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dowry-payments-still-largely-taking-place-in-india-world-bank-395969&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjPjqq0987xAhUJyzgGHdOHAQgQFnoECAIQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw2utLuGJqlMVeHi0WaV2130" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dowry-payments-still-largely-taking-place-in-india-world-bank-395969" target="_blank">Dowry&nbsp;payments still largely taking place in India: World Bank</a>

It "makes clear that silence or passivity do not mean consent, or that not showing opposition can not be an excuse to act against the will of the other person," explained government spokeswoman Maria Jesus Montero.

This bill has been introduced after the tragic gang-rape case of an 18-year-old woman. The victim was raped by five men at a bull-running festival in northern Spain who called themselves the "wolf pack".

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/growing-epidemic-of-sexual-violence-in-new-zealand-childrens-commissioner-394497" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/growing-epidemic-of-sexual-violence-in-new-zealand-childrens-commissioner-394497&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjwkdf85svxAhX0xzgGHV5vAcQQFjAHegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3PLG7aH0oRdT4mvDsLrUp9" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/growing-epidemic-of-sexual-violence-in-new-zealand-childrens-commissioner-394497" target="_blank">Growing 'epidemic' of&nbsp;sexual&nbsp;violence in New Zealand</a>

These penetrators were initially only charged with sexual abuse, rather than sexual assault as the judge believed there was no use of physical violence. It was also suggested that considering the victim had stayed silent, it was a form of consent.

Contesting this thought process and highlighting loopholes in the criminal code, this new bill "only yes is yes" has been introduced.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/rising-cases-of-sexual-harassment-in-uk-schools-alarming-watchdog-390631" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/rising-cases-of-sexual-harassment-in-uk-schools-alarming-watchdog-390631&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjFioOH58vxAhV_xzgGHd5RBn84ChAWMAB6BAgFEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw1fGBe3OH-m6caOsTeKed5-" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rising-cases-of-sexual-harassment-in-uk-schools-alarming-watchdog-390631" target="_blank">Rising cases of&nbsp;sexual harassment&nbsp;in UK schools alarming</a>

As per this new law, rape will be defined as a forced sexual activity performed without the consent of the victim. It will also bring in violence and intimidation during sexual assault.

Under this law, work-related sexual harassment cases can also lead to jail time. Additionally, catcalling will be labelled as a criminal offence.

The law will now be open to a debate and vote in September.

Putting an end to the fight for consent, Spain's cabinet has approved a draft bill that lays down strict rules against rape under false pretence and fake consent.

Putting an end to the fight for consent, Spain's cabinet has approved a draft bill that lays down strict rules against rape under false pretence and fake consent. The new law states that only a direct 'yes' can be justified as consent for sexual intercourse. The absence of consent and a 'no' will not be ruled as 'justifications' in rape cases. Also read | Dowry payments still largely taking place in India: World Bank It "makes clear that silence or passivity do not mean consent, or that not showing opposition can not be an excuse to act against the will of the other person," explained government spokeswoman Maria Jesus Montero. This bill has been introduced after the tragic gang-rape case of an 18-year-old woman. The victim was raped by five men at a bull-running festival in northern Spain who called themselves the "wolf pack". Also read | Growing 'epidemic' of sexual violence in New Zealand These penetrators were initially only charged with sexual abuse, rather than sexual assault as the judge believed there was no use of physical violence. It was also suggested that considering the victim had stayed silent, it was a form of consent. Contesting this thought process and highlighting loopholes in the criminal code, this new bill "only yes is yes" has been introduced. Also read | Rising cases of sexual harassment in UK schools alarming As per this new law, rape will be defined as a forced sexual activity performed without the consent of the victim. It will also bring in violence and intimidation during sexual assault. Under this law, work-related sexual harassment cases can also lead to jail time. Additionally, catcalling will be labelled as a criminal offence. The law will now be open to a debate and vote in September.

'Only yes is yes': Spain's Cabinet passes bill to redefine 'consent' in rape law

Adding to the growing list of sexual assaults in defence sector, a South Korean army general has been arrested for sexually harassing a female colleague.

The two-star brigadier-general allegedly tried to sexually harass a female subordinate after winding up a dinner with a few other soldiers. An investigation has been launched into the matter immediately after the complaint was filed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-and-south-korea-agree-to-covid-19-vaccine-exchange-report-396083" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-and-south-korea-agree-to-covid-19-vaccine-exchange-report-396083&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiDo7bWnM7xAhXEIbcAHYtrAHoQFjAAegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1ucIcFCbhNMZtbhRxfj4RI" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-and-south-korea-agree-to-covid-19-vaccine-exchange-report-396083" target="_blank">Israel and&nbsp;South Korea&nbsp;agree to COVID-19 vaccine exchange</a>

Officials have also assured all "legal and institutional assistance" to the victim from the government and have promised that appropriate actions will be taken after the investigation is completed.

This has come almost a month after a master sergeant took her own life after she was reportedly sexually harassed by South Korean&nbsp;air force chief. The victim, in that case, had reported the incident to authorities higher up in command but nobody paid any heed to her.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-of-south-korean-workers-rally-in-coronavirus-hit-seoul-395539" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-of-south-korean-workers-rally-in-coronavirus-hit-seoul-395539&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiDo7bWnM7xAhXEIbcAHYtrAHoQFjAIegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2aOz-hOgeEnl7NC6uYRdXm" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-of-south-korean-workers-rally-in-coronavirus-hit-seoul-395539" target="_blank">Thousands of&nbsp;South Korean&nbsp;workers rally in coronavirus-hit Seoul</a>

The ignorance towards her case and complaints led her to take her own life in May. This brought out an outcry in South Korea as people demanded action against the growing environment of sexual assault in the defence sector.

Many social media users have claimed that female soldiers usually face the pressure to stay silent in cases of sexual assault as they fear public shaming and loss of jobs.

Adding to the growing list of sexual assaults in defence sector, a South Korean army general has been arrested for sexually harassing a female colleague. The two-star brigadier-general allegedly tried to sexually harass a female subordinate after winding up a dinner with a few other soldiers.

Adding to the growing list of sexual assaults in defence sector, a South Korean army general has been arrested for sexually harassing a female colleague. The two-star brigadier-general allegedly tried to sexually harass a female subordinate after winding up a dinner with a few other soldiers. An investigation has been launched into the matter immediately after the complaint was filed. Also read | Israel and South Korea agree to COVID-19 vaccine exchange Officials have also assured all "legal and institutional assistance" to the victim from the government and have promised that appropriate actions will be taken after the investigation is completed. This has come almost a month after a master sergeant took her own life after she was reportedly sexually harassed by South Korean air force chief. The victim, in that case, had reported the incident to authorities higher up in command but nobody paid any heed to her. Also read | Thousands of South Korean workers rally in coronavirus-hit Seoul The ignorance towards her case and complaints led her to take her own life in May. This brought out an outcry in South Korea as people demanded action against the growing environment of sexual assault in the defence sector. Many social media users have claimed that female soldiers usually face the pressure to stay silent in cases of sexual assault as they fear public shaming and loss of jobs.

South Korean army general arrested on sexual harassment charges

Amid the rising number&nbsp;of sexual violence cases in the country, New Zealand’s children commissioner has urged authorities to take immediate actions against this "epidemic".

The concern has come after an "incredibly disturbing" survey revealed that out of 700 school girls at least 20 claimed they had been raped and half of the girls said they has been sexually harassed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trudeau-says-canada-must-learn-from-our-past-after-school-graves-found-393758">Trudeau says Canada must 'learn from our past' after school graves found</a>

"Sadly, this survey is the latest in a growing body of evidence about the extent of sexual violence against girls and LGBTQ+ teenagers in Aotearoa. It’s time for New Zealand to admit this is an epidemic, and it needs a national epidemic-level response," Andrew Becroft, Children’s Commissioner said in a statement.

This survey revealed that a lot of girls go through the horrors of sexual harassment inside the school premises and also outdoors. It has uncovered a culture of abuse outside school too, which has grown in the past years.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-rape-victim-paid-7-million-as-settlement-by-airbnb-392213" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-rape-victim-paid-7-million-as-settlement-by-airbnb-392213&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi02p_RnbrxAhVF7XMBHQg1CZc4ChAWMAB6BAgAEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw2n9_U87qHPUzJRjboVnD_N" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-rape-victim-paid-7-million-as-settlement-by-airbnb-392213" target="_blank">New York: Rape victim paid $7 million as 'settlement' by Airbnb</a>

"We need to make sure we’re supporting those in the education environment – these are really hard issues to deal with and I don’t think any education provider should feel left alone in dealing with some of these issues," said New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern.

Many girls claimed they had been harassed on more than one occasion and 20 students described getting raped by individuals or groups.

"I am sorry to say this is not a surprise. I think adults are likely to find it more shocking than we do," Amiria Tikao, schools head girl said in a statement.

Amid the rising number of sexual violence cases in the country, New Zealand’s children commissioner has urged authorities to take immediate actions against this "epidemic".

Amid the rising number of sexual violence cases in the country, New Zealand’s children commissioner has urged authorities to take immediate actions against this "epidemic". The concern has come after an "incredibly disturbing" survey revealed that out of 700 school girls at least 20 claimed they had been raped and half of the girls said they has been sexually harassed. Also read | Trudeau says Canada must 'learn from our past' after school graves found "Sadly, this survey is the latest in a growing body of evidence about the extent of sexual violence against girls and LGBTQ+ teenagers in Aotearoa. It’s time for New Zealand to admit this is an epidemic, and it needs a national epidemic-level response," Andrew Becroft, Children’s Commissioner said in a statement. This survey revealed that a lot of girls go through the horrors of sexual harassment inside the school premises and also outdoors. It has uncovered a culture of abuse outside school too, which has grown in the past years. Also read | New York: Rape victim paid $7 million as 'settlement' by Airbnb "We need to make sure we’re supporting those in the education environment – these are really hard issues to deal with and I don’t think any education provider should feel left alone in dealing with some of these issues," said New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern. Many girls claimed they had been harassed on more than one occasion and 20 students described getting raped by individuals or groups. "I am sorry to say this is not a surprise. I think adults are likely to find it more shocking than we do," Amiria Tikao, schools head girl said in a statement.

Growing 'epidemic' of sexual violence in New Zealand: Children’s commissioner

A French woman, Valérie Bacot, is set to stand trial for killing her stepfather-turned-husband who raped her for nearly 25 years.

Daniel "Dany" Polette, Bacot’s then stepfather started raping her when she was 12 years old and living with her alcoholic mother. When he raped her, she had no idea what he was doing and only realised what had happened after she learned about it in one of her biology lessons, she said.

When her mother got to know about the torture, Polette was put behind bars in 1995 for incest but he returned back to the family very soon and continued raping Bacot. "Nobody seemed to find it bizarre that Daniel came back to live with us as if nothing had happened," she said in her book Bacot’s story:&nbsp;Tout le Monde Savait&nbsp;(Everyone Knew)."Everyone knew but nobody said anything."

When he started raping her again, she overheard her mother tell him, "I don’t give a damn as long as she doesn’t become pregnant." However, she soon became pregnant at the age of 17 and Polette decided to forcefully marry the victim.

The toxic wedding brought daily beatings, which even involved hammer at one point. She bore three more children out of the forced sexual engagements with Polette and the children faced his beatings too.

Later, she was forced to be a prostitute as he pimped her in the back of his Peugeot 806 that he fitted with a mattress. He spied on her during the "appointments" and instructed her what to do through an earpiece she was forced to wear.

One day when she was raped by one of the men her husband had pimped her to, she decided she has had enough and shot Polette from a pistol he used to hide in his car.

"This is a woman who has been destroyed and devastated, not just by the lack of maternal love, the rapes, the blows, the denigration, the prostitution but also and above all by the indifference and the omerta of society," Bacot’s lawyers wrote.

"From her earliest age she was put through terrible things without anyone, not even those close to her, blinking an eye. They ignored her distress and her ordeal, which could be read on her face. The story of her life is deeply distressing," they added.

Her trial will go on for a week and has once again highlighted the alarming increase in domestic violence and sexual abuse in the EU.

A French woman, Valérie Bacot, is set to stand trial for killing her stepfather-turned-husband who raped her for nearly 25 years. Daniel "Dany" Polette, Bacot’s then stepfather started raping her when she was 12 years old and living with her alcoholic mother.

A French woman, Valérie Bacot, is set to stand trial for killing her stepfather-turned-husband who raped her for nearly 25 years. Daniel "Dany" Polette, Bacot’s then stepfather started raping her when she was 12 years old and living with her alcoholic mother. When he raped her, she had no idea what he was doing and only realised what had happened after she learned about it in one of her biology lessons, she said. When her mother got to know about the torture, Polette was put behind bars in 1995 for incest but he returned back to the family very soon and continued raping Bacot. "Nobody seemed to find it bizarre that Daniel came back to live with us as if nothing had happened," she said in her book Bacot’s story: Tout le Monde Savait (Everyone Knew)."Everyone knew but nobody said anything." When he started raping her again, she overheard her mother tell him, "I don’t give a damn as long as she doesn’t become pregnant." However, she soon became pregnant at the age of 17 and Polette decided to forcefully marry the victim. The toxic wedding brought daily beatings, which even involved hammer at one point. She bore three more children out of the forced sexual engagements with Polette and the children faced his beatings too. Later, she was forced to be a prostitute as he pimped her in the back of his Peugeot 806 that he fitted with a mattress. He spied on her during the "appointments" and instructed her what to do through an earpiece she was forced to wear. One day when she was raped by one of the men her husband had pimped her to, she decided she has had enough and shot Polette from a pistol he used to hide in his car. "This is a woman who has been destroyed and devastated, not just by the lack of maternal love, the rapes, the blows, the denigration, the prostitution but also and above all by the indifference and the omerta of society," Bacot’s lawyers wrote. "From her earliest age she was put through terrible things without anyone, not even those close to her, blinking an eye. They ignored her distress and her ordeal, which could be read on her face. The story of her life is deeply distressing," they added. Her trial will go on for a week and has once again highlighted the alarming increase in domestic violence and sexual abuse in the EU.

French woman faces trial for killing her stepfather-turned-husband who raped her for 25 years

A Malaysian teenager is facing major backlash for speaking out against the passivity shown towards rape culture in the country’s schools. Ain took to TikTok to point to excesses teachers take with words, especially while referring to traumatic crimes like rape.

Since then, the 17-year-old Ain Husniza Saiful Nizam has received support from many on social media, while also receiving a lot of backlash for speaking out against the same.

Insensitivity a 'joke'?

The teacher in question&nbsp;was referring to protections offered in the country against rape. While doing so, the teacher reportedly said the following to students - “So if you want to rape anyone, rape someone above 18”.&nbsp;

Ain raised the issue with another teacher, but was chided for being “emotional and sensitive”, she revealed to BBC. Even though she has received immense support on social media since speaking out, the general backlash and the attitude of others speaks&nbsp;of how such heinous crimes are infantilised as “jokes”.

The teenager’s ferocious words have struck a chord with a few. In fact, now Malaysians are asking for schools to become safer for boys and girls alike. Many have written songs about the same, asking the authorities to take necessary steps to spread awareness about the severity of a crime like rape.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/uk-woman-accuses-spy-of-rape-by-tricking-her-into-relationship-384233" hreflang="en">UK: Woman accuses spy of rape by tricking her into relationship</a>

Since in spoke out, Malaysian kids erupted on social media - sharing similar instances they faced in their educational institutions. Many also reported incidents of harassment and abuse at the hands of teachers who&nbsp;allegedly do nothing to break the cycle.&nbsp;

'We want to educate'

“We want to educate. We want to change”, Ain told BBC.&nbsp;

But soon after her post on social media, many began to criticise her for taking a joke too seriously. Some comments went as far as urging her to “cover” herself to avoid being raped.&nbsp;

Ain’s father spoke out in her support during a chat with BBC, saying that this incident serves as “proof that our culture, our society… we need to rectify this and come out from that kind of way of thinking”.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/break-their-lineage-break-their-roots-report-details-chinese-authorities-torture-rape-of-uighur-muslims-378793" hreflang="en">'Break their lineage, break their roots': Report details Chinese authorities’ torture, rape of Uighur Muslims</a>

This doesn’t end here. Turns out, the family took the matter to the police.

Local outlet MalaysiaKini reported that the deputy inspector-general of police dismissed the claims as “maybe a joke”.

According to Malaysia’s Ministry of Education, the teacher who made the “joke” has been transferred while the matter is being investigated.

&nbsp;

A Malaysian teenager is facing major backlash for speaking out against the passivity shown towards rape culture in the country’s schools. Ain took to TikTok to point to excesses teachers take with words, especially while referring to traumatic crimes like rape.

A Malaysian teenager is facing major backlash for speaking out against the passivity shown towards rape culture in the country’s schools. Ain took to TikTok to point to excesses teachers take with words, especially while referring to traumatic crimes like rape. Since then, the 17-year-old Ain Husniza Saiful Nizam has received support from many on social media, while also receiving a lot of backlash for speaking out against the same. Insensitivity a 'joke'? The teacher in question was referring to protections offered in the country against rape. While doing so, the teacher reportedly said the following to students - “So if you want to rape anyone, rape someone above 18”. Ain raised the issue with another teacher, but was chided for being “emotional and sensitive”, she revealed to BBC. Even though she has received immense support on social media since speaking out, the general backlash and the attitude of others speaks of how such heinous crimes are infantilised as “jokes”. The teenager’s ferocious words have struck a chord with a few. In fact, now Malaysians are asking for schools to become safer for boys and girls alike. Many have written songs about the same, asking the authorities to take necessary steps to spread awareness about the severity of a crime like rape. Also read: UK: Woman accuses spy of rape by tricking her into relationship Since in spoke out, Malaysian kids erupted on social media - sharing similar instances they faced in their educational institutions. Many also reported incidents of harassment and abuse at the hands of teachers who allegedly do nothing to break the cycle. 'We want to educate' “We want to educate. We want to change”, Ain told BBC. But soon after her post on social media, many began to criticise her for taking a joke too seriously. Some comments went as far as urging her to “cover” herself to avoid being raped. Ain’s father spoke out in her support during a chat with BBC, saying that this incident serves as “proof that our culture, our society… we need to rectify this and come out from that kind of way of thinking”. Also read: 'Break their lineage, break their roots': Report details Chinese authorities’ torture, rape of Uighur Muslims This doesn’t end here. Turns out, the family took the matter to the police. Local outlet MalaysiaKini reported that the deputy inspector-general of police dismissed the claims as “maybe a joke”. According to Malaysia’s Ministry of Education, the teacher who made the “joke” has been transferred while the matter is being investigated.

How a Malaysian teenager's fight against rape culture in schools caused national backlash

A woman in the UK has accused a police spy of raping her by tricking her into a sexual relationship.&nbsp;

She said that spy Vince Miller tricked her into a sexual relationship that lasted for two months, reports The Guardian.

However, Miller said that the duo had a sexual encounter for one night.&nbsp;

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The woman said that the relationship began when she was "fragile and vulnerable" after the end of her abusive marriage.

She said the relationship was rape and added that Miller broke her trust.&nbsp;

A retired judge, Sir John Mitting, is leading the inquiry that is probing the conduct of about 139 undercover officers who spied over 1,000 political organisations since 1968.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="wionews.com/world/germany-ropes-in-spy-agency-to-monitor-anti-vaxxers-covid-deniers-381096">Germany ropes in spy agency to monitor anti-vaxxers, Covid deniers</a>

Miller, who spied Socialist Workers Party from 1976 to 1979, earlier told the inquiry that he had "one night stands" with four women when he went undercover.&nbsp;

The woman on Monday said that Miller's account of the nature of their relationship was "untrue and there is no possible justification for it ever having taken place."

She also said that she had been devastated if she had known the true details then.&nbsp;

"I trusted him … it would have been an absolute betrayal … I know that I would have regarded, as I do regard it now, as rape," the woman said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A woman in the UK has accused a police spy of raping her by tricking her into a sexual relationship. She said that spy Vince Miller tricked her into a sexual relationship that lasted for two months, reports The Guardian.

A woman in the UK has accused a police spy of raping her by tricking her into a sexual relationship. She said that spy Vince Miller tricked her into a sexual relationship that lasted for two months, reports The Guardian. However, Miller said that the duo had a sexual encounter for one night. Also read | Britain's Secret Intelligence Service MI6 looking for new 'Q' spy tech master The woman said that the relationship began when she was "fragile and vulnerable" after the end of her abusive marriage. She said the relationship was rape and added that Miller broke her trust. A retired judge, Sir John Mitting, is leading the inquiry that is probing the conduct of about 139 undercover officers who spied over 1,000 political organisations since 1968. Also read | Germany ropes in spy agency to monitor anti-vaxxers, Covid deniers Miller, who spied Socialist Workers Party from 1976 to 1979, earlier told the inquiry that he had "one night stands" with four women when he went undercover. The woman on Monday said that Miller's account of the nature of their relationship was "untrue and there is no possible justification for it ever having taken place." She also said that she had been devastated if she had known the true details then. "I trusted him … it would have been an absolute betrayal … I know that I would have regarded, as I do regard it now, as rape," the woman said.

UK: Woman accuses spy of rape by tricking her into relationship

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