The principal of a religious school in Bangladesh was among 16 people sentenced to death on Thursday (October 24) for the murder of a teenage girl who refused to withdraw a complaint of sexual harassment against him, the public prosecutor said.

Bangladesh sentences 16 to death for killing teenager in harassment case

The Swedish Academy will crown two Nobel literature laureates on Thursday, after postponing last year's prize over a sexual harassment scandal.

Experts say the academy will seek to avoid ruffling any feathers with this year's choices as it bids to move on from the scandal that saw the husband of one of its members jailed for rape.

Ahead of the announcement at 1:00 pm, when it will reveal one winner for 2018 and one for 2019, some names creating a buzz are poet Anne Carson and novelist Margaret Atwood, both of Canada, as well as Kenyan writer Ngugi Wa Thiong'o, Polish writer and activist Olga Tokarczuk, and French Guadeloupean Maryse Conde, according to betting site Unibet.

Stockholm's literary circles have also speculated about Romanian poet and novelist Mircea Cartarescu, Polish writer Hanna Krall, Antiguan-American author Jamaica Kincaid, South Korean writer Han Kang and Joyce Carol Oates of the United States.

Dating back to 1786, the Swedish Academy is at pains to repair its reputation after the scandal exposed scheming, conflicts of interest, harassment and a culture of silence among its 18 members, long esteemed as the country's guardians of culture.

The revelations shook Sweden, a Lutheran nation that prides itself on transparency and consensual democracy and is intolerant of inequality.

Left in tatters by the debacle, the Academy, tasked with selecting the Nobel Literature laureate, postponed the 2018 prize until this year -- the first delay in 70 years.

Nobel sex scandal

Now revamped with new members and statutes, it is widely expected to pick writers who will not spark further controversy, and at least one is almost certain to be a woman, literary critics interviewed by AFP predicted.

Only 14 of the 114 literature laureates since 1901 have been women.&nbsp;

The Academy does not release a shortlist. While possible winners are always anyone's guess, the speculation is even more rampant this year given the many changes within the institution.

Among many other names cited as possible winners are Chinese fiction writer Can Xue, Japanese author Haruki Murakami and Russian novelist Lyudmila Ulitskaya.

The Academy's woes began in November 2017 when it disagreed about how to manage its close ties to Frenchman Jean-Claude Arnault, accused and later convicted of rape.

Arnault is married to Katarina Frostenson, a member of the Academy who later resigned over the scandal at the height of the #MeToo movement against harassment of women.

The pair also ran a cultural club in Stockholm that received funding from the body.

Ultimately, seven members quit the Academy, including then permanent secretary Sara Danius.

"From having been associated with literature of the highest order, the Nobel Prize is for many now associated with #MeToo... and a dysfunctional organisation," Swedish literary critic Madelaine Levy told AFP.

Reputational damage

The empty seats have since been filled, and literature professor Mats Malm took over as permanent secretary in June.

"The changes have been very productive and we are hopeful for the future," Malm told AFP in an interview just days before the prize announcement.

He acknowledged the affair had tainted the institution and said improvements were still needed.

"A lot of hard work remains, of that we are certain."

Retired publisher Svante Weyler said he thought the Academy's -- and prize's -- reputation could be repaired, "but only through wise choices of laureates."

Giving the nod to US singer-songwriter Bob Dylan in 2016 also led some to question the Academy's judgement.

Weyler expected the Academy would try hard to steer clear of controversy, and probably go for one author highly regarded in literary circles and one with broader appeal -- but "absolutely no one that can cause a controversial political discussion," he said.

New procedure

The Academy used to be the sole arbiter of who gets the Nobel Literature Prize.

But following demands of external oversight from the Nobel Foundation which manages the prize money, the selection committee has been altered to include five members from outside the body.

Given the stain on the Academy's reputation, Levy raised the possibility "that those given the award won't accept it" -- as French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre did in 1964.

This year's laureates -- especially if either is male -- can expect their work and personal life to come under great scrutiny, in particular for expressions of misogyny, Levy added.

The Swedish Academy will crown two Nobel literature laureates on Thursday, after postponing last year's prize over a sexual harassment scandal. Experts say the academy will seek to avoid ruffling any feathers with this year's choices as it bids to move on from the scandal that saw the husband of one of its members jailed for rape.

The Swedish Academy will crown two Nobel literature laureates on Thursday, after postponing last year's prize over a sexual harassment scandal. Experts say the academy will seek to avoid ruffling any feathers with this year's choices as it bids to move on from the scandal that saw the husband of one of its members jailed for rape. Ahead of the announcement at 1:00 pm, when it will reveal one winner for 2018 and one for 2019, some names creating a buzz are poet Anne Carson and novelist Margaret Atwood, both of Canada, as well as Kenyan writer Ngugi Wa Thiong'o, Polish writer and activist Olga Tokarczuk, and French Guadeloupean Maryse Conde, according to betting site Unibet. Stockholm's literary circles have also speculated about Romanian poet and novelist Mircea Cartarescu, Polish writer Hanna Krall, Antiguan-American author Jamaica Kincaid, South Korean writer Han Kang and Joyce Carol Oates of the United States. Dating back to 1786, the Swedish Academy is at pains to repair its reputation after the scandal exposed scheming, conflicts of interest, harassment and a culture of silence among its 18 members, long esteemed as the country's guardians of culture. The revelations shook Sweden, a Lutheran nation that prides itself on transparency and consensual democracy and is intolerant of inequality. Left in tatters by the debacle, the Academy, tasked with selecting the Nobel Literature laureate, postponed the 2018 prize until this year -- the first delay in 70 years. Nobel sex scandal Now revamped with new members and statutes, it is widely expected to pick writers who will not spark further controversy, and at least one is almost certain to be a woman, literary critics interviewed by AFP predicted. Only 14 of the 114 literature laureates since 1901 have been women. The Academy does not release a shortlist. While possible winners are always anyone's guess, the speculation is even more rampant this year given the many changes within the institution. Among many other names cited as possible winners are Chinese fiction writer Can Xue, Japanese author Haruki Murakami and Russian novelist Lyudmila Ulitskaya. The Academy's woes began in November 2017 when it disagreed about how to manage its close ties to Frenchman Jean-Claude Arnault, accused and later convicted of rape. Arnault is married to Katarina Frostenson, a member of the Academy who later resigned over the scandal at the height of the #MeToo movement against harassment of women. The pair also ran a cultural club in Stockholm that received funding from the body. Ultimately, seven members quit the Academy, including then permanent secretary Sara Danius. "From having been associated with literature of the highest order, the Nobel Prize is for many now associated with #MeToo... and a dysfunctional organisation," Swedish literary critic Madelaine Levy told AFP. Reputational damage The empty seats have since been filled, and literature professor Mats Malm took over as permanent secretary in June. "The changes have been very productive and we are hopeful for the future," Malm told AFP in an interview just days before the prize announcement. He acknowledged the affair had tainted the institution and said improvements were still needed. "A lot of hard work remains, of that we are certain." Retired publisher Svante Weyler said he thought the Academy's -- and prize's -- reputation could be repaired, "but only through wise choices of laureates." Giving the nod to US singer-songwriter Bob Dylan in 2016 also led some to question the Academy's judgement. Weyler expected the Academy would try hard to steer clear of controversy, and probably go for one author highly regarded in literary circles and one with broader appeal -- but "absolutely no one that can cause a controversial political discussion," he said. New procedure The Academy used to be the sole arbiter of who gets the Nobel Literature Prize. But following demands of external oversight from the Nobel Foundation which manages the prize money, the selection committee has been altered to include five members from outside the body. Given the stain on the Academy's reputation, Levy raised the possibility "that those given the award won't accept it" -- as French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre did in 1964. This year's laureates -- especially if either is male -- can expect their work and personal life to come under great scrutiny, in particular for expressions of misogyny, Levy added.

Post-scandal Academy to award two Nobel Literature prizes

American actress Demi Moore has revealed that she was sexually assaulted at the age of 15 by a man who paid her mother for the heinous act. 
 
The 56-year-old star made the shocking revelation at `Good Morning America` show on Monday. She was at the show to talk about her new memoir `Inside Out`. 
 
The actor has dedicated the book to her three daughters as well as her mother, who died in 1998. 
 
According to Moore, the sexual encounter happened when she came home one night and an older man in the house with her mother. After he raped her, Moore said that he asked her how it felt "to be sent in as a wh*** by your mother for $500." 
 
"I think, in my deep heart no -- I don`t think it was a straightforward transaction," Moore told the television journalist about whether she felt her mother sold her. 
 
"But she still -- she did give him the access and put me in harm`s way," she shared. 
 
The star said her parents suffered from alcoholism and the family moved across the country frequently as they faced debt.&nbsp; 
 
She even expressed that her mother tried to commit suicide when she was 12."I remember using my fingers, the small fingers of a child, to dig the pills my mother had tried to swallow, out of her mouth," Moore recalled in her book. 
 
In her memoir, Moore also talks about battling addiction to cocaine, painkillers and alcohol and also makes claims about her ex-husband Ashton Kutcher and their relationship.

American actress Demi Moore has revealed that she was sexually assaulted at the age of 15 by a man who paid her mother for the heinous act. The 56-year-old star made the shocking revelation at `Good Morning America` show on Monday.

American actress Demi Moore has revealed that she was sexually assaulted at the age of 15 by a man who paid her mother for the heinous act. The 56-year-old star made the shocking revelation at `Good Morning America` show on Monday. She was at the show to talk about her new memoir `Inside Out`. The actor has dedicated the book to her three daughters as well as her mother, who died in 1998. According to Moore, the sexual encounter happened when she came home one night and an older man in the house with her mother. After he raped her, Moore said that he asked her how it felt "to be sent in as a wh*** by your mother for $500." "I think, in my deep heart no -- I don`t think it was a straightforward transaction," Moore told the television journalist about whether she felt her mother sold her. "But she still -- she did give him the access and put me in harm`s way," she shared. The star said her parents suffered from alcoholism and the family moved across the country frequently as they faced debt. She even expressed that her mother tried to commit suicide when she was 12."I remember using my fingers, the small fingers of a child, to dig the pills my mother had tried to swallow, out of her mouth," Moore recalled in her book. In her memoir, Moore also talks about battling addiction to cocaine, painkillers and alcohol and also makes claims about her ex-husband Ashton Kutcher and their relationship.

Demi Moore reveals she was raped at 15 by a man who paid her mother $500

Nearly&nbsp;one&nbsp;in&nbsp;12&nbsp;employees working in the&nbsp;Lloyd's&nbsp;of London&nbsp;insurance&nbsp;market&nbsp;has&nbsp;witnessed&nbsp;sexual&nbsp;harassment&nbsp;there in the past year and a quarter has seen excessive drinking, according to a culture&nbsp;survey&nbsp;published by&nbsp;Lloyd's&nbsp;on Tuesday.

The&nbsp;market, which employees around 45,000 people in&nbsp;insurance&nbsp;and broking firms, is trying to improve standards of behaviour after reports earlier this year of&nbsp;sexual&nbsp;harassment&nbsp;and daytime drinking.

According to the&nbsp;survey&nbsp;of 6,000, 8 per cent&nbsp;of respondents had seen&nbsp;sexual&nbsp;harassment&nbsp;at&nbsp;Lloyd's&nbsp;in the last&nbsp;12&nbsp;months and 24 per cent had seen "excessive consumption of alcohol", while 22 per cent had seen people at their firms ignore inappropriate behaviour.

"I don't think anyone&nbsp;can deny there is a problem to address here,"&nbsp;Lloyd's&nbsp;Chief Executive John Neal told Reuters by telephone, adding that publishing the&nbsp;survey&nbsp;in its "ugly raw fashion" should help bring about change.

Lloyd's&nbsp;has already introduced sanctions for poor behaviour, including potential life bans on entering its City tower.

It said on Tuesday it was taking further action in response to the&nbsp;survey, including introducing a gender balance plan, business conduct requirements and setting up an advisory group chaired by&nbsp;Lloyd's&nbsp;board member Fiona Luck.

Sixty per cent of the&nbsp;survey&nbsp;respondents were men and 90 per cent&nbsp;of respondents based in London.

Trade body the&nbsp;Lloyd's&nbsp;Market&nbsp;Association (LMA) said it would launch a new CEO network aimed at improving the reporting of&nbsp;sexual&nbsp;misconduct in the&nbsp;marketplace after the&nbsp;survey&nbsp;revealed many respondents did not know who to raise concerns with.

The LMA Board, which includes 16 chief executives and other senior&nbsp;market&nbsp;leaders from&nbsp;Lloyd's&nbsp;managing agents, have committed to receive reports of inappropriate behaviour which will then be dealt with in "absolute confidence."

"With this constructive resolution we make it very clear that LMA Members will take action at the very highest levels," Sheila Cameron, CEO of the LMA said.

Nearly one in 12 employees working in the Lloyd's of London insurance market has witnessed sexual harassment there in the past year and a quarter has seen excessive drinking, according to a culture survey published by Lloyd's on Tuesday.

Nearly one in 12 employees working in the Lloyd's of London insurance market has witnessed sexual harassment there in the past year and a quarter has seen excessive drinking, according to a culture survey published by Lloyd's on Tuesday. The market, which employees around 45,000 people in insurance and broking firms, is trying to improve standards of behaviour after reports earlier this year of sexual harassment and daytime drinking. According to the survey of 6,000, 8 per cent of respondents had seen sexual harassment at Lloyd's in the last 12 months and 24 per cent had seen "excessive consumption of alcohol", while 22 per cent had seen people at their firms ignore inappropriate behaviour. "I don't think anyone can deny there is a problem to address here," Lloyd's Chief Executive John Neal told Reuters by telephone, adding that publishing the survey in its "ugly raw fashion" should help bring about change. Lloyd's has already introduced sanctions for poor behaviour, including potential life bans on entering its City tower. It said on Tuesday it was taking further action in response to the survey, including introducing a gender balance plan, business conduct requirements and setting up an advisory group chaired by Lloyd's board member Fiona Luck. Sixty per cent of the survey respondents were men and 90 per cent of respondents based in London. Trade body the Lloyd's Market Association (LMA) said it would launch a new CEO network aimed at improving the reporting of sexual misconduct in the marketplace after the survey revealed many respondents did not know who to raise concerns with. The LMA Board, which includes 16 chief executives and other senior market leaders from Lloyd's managing agents, have committed to receive reports of inappropriate behaviour which will then be dealt with in "absolute confidence." "With this constructive resolution we make it very clear that LMA Members will take action at the very highest levels," Sheila Cameron, CEO of the LMA said.

One in 12 witnessed sexual harassment in Lloyd's insurance market: Survey

Journalist Priya Ramani, against whom former Union Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/mj-akbar-files-defamation-case-against-female-journalists-171575">MJ Akbar had filed a defamation case </a>for levelling sexual harassment allegations, on Saturday explained in a Delhi court about her article in the Vogue magazine.

Speaking about her article in Vogue magazine, Ramani said, "Yes, I wrote an article. Vogue`s features editor Shehnaz Siganporia called me and asked if I could write an article about the behaviour of male bosses in the context of the American MeToo movement and the allegations against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, which ranged from calling women to his hotel room and multiple allegations of sexual misconduct and rape."

She asserted while doing research for the article, she could not help not remembering her personal story of meeting her first male boss, Akbar.

"So I began the article with my MJ Akbar story. I never named him. The first four paragraphs of the article were a brief account of what happened at The Oberoi Hotel in 1993 (where she for a job interview with Akbar in the evening)," Ramani said.

"The portions in quotations referred to specific allegations against Harvey by many women. I mainly read four articles about the sexual harassment charges against Harvey and these portions were sourced from there. These articles appeared in Newyoker, the New York Times and Variety," she said explaining the article.

Watch: MJ Akbar Resigns as Union Minister

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Recounting her days with Asian Age, Ramani said she began her job with Asian Age, New Delhi, as a correspondent in January 1994 but she was transferred to Mumbai.&nbsp; 
"I urged the editor to transfer me to Mumbai as I could not find good accommodation in Delhi and I could save on rent if I live with my parents," she said.

After moving to Mumbai, I never met Mr Akbar alone in the Delhi office or Mumbai office again, Ramani said maintaining that "We (Ramani and Akbar) always interacted during edit meetings or when he visited Mumbai office."

Ramani was the first woman to accuse Akbar of sexual harassment during the #MeToo campaign.

Akbar, the former Minister of State for External Affairs, had filed a defamation case against the journalist for accusing him of sexual misconduct.

The allegations levelled against him forced him to resign from the Union Cabinet on 17 October 2018.&nbsp;

Journalist Priya Ramani, against whom former Union Minister MJ Akbar had filed a defamation case for levelling sexual harassment allegations, on Saturday explained in a Delhi court about her article in the Vogue magazine.

Journalist Priya Ramani, against whom former Union Minister MJ Akbar had filed a defamation case for levelling sexual harassment allegations, on Saturday explained in a Delhi court about her article in the Vogue magazine. Speaking about her article in Vogue magazine, Ramani said, "Yes, I wrote an article. Vogue`s features editor Shehnaz Siganporia called me and asked if I could write an article about the behaviour of male bosses in the context of the American MeToo movement and the allegations against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, which ranged from calling women to his hotel room and multiple allegations of sexual misconduct and rape." She asserted while doing research for the article, she could not help not remembering her personal story of meeting her first male boss, Akbar. "So I began the article with my MJ Akbar story. I never named him. The first four paragraphs of the article were a brief account of what happened at The Oberoi Hotel in 1993 (where she for a job interview with Akbar in the evening)," Ramani said. "The portions in quotations referred to specific allegations against Harvey by many women. I mainly read four articles about the sexual harassment charges against Harvey and these portions were sourced from there. These articles appeared in Newyoker, the New York Times and Variety," she said explaining the article. Watch: MJ Akbar Resigns as Union Minister × Recounting her days with Asian Age, Ramani said she began her job with Asian Age, New Delhi, as a correspondent in January 1994 but she was transferred to Mumbai. "I urged the editor to transfer me to Mumbai as I could not find good accommodation in Delhi and I could save on rent if I live with my parents," she said. After moving to Mumbai, I never met Mr Akbar alone in the Delhi office or Mumbai office again, Ramani said maintaining that "We (Ramani and Akbar) always interacted during edit meetings or when he visited Mumbai office." Ramani was the first woman to accuse Akbar of sexual harassment during the #MeToo campaign. Akbar, the former Minister of State for External Affairs, had filed a defamation case against the journalist for accusing him of sexual misconduct. The allegations levelled against him forced him to resign from the Union Cabinet on 17 October 2018.

MJ Akbar defamation case: Priya Ramani explains about her article in a magazine

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Friday confirmed that the punishment of dismissal has been awarded to a Major General from service in connection with a sexual harassment case.

"Army Chief General Bipin Rawat has confirmed the sentence awarded to the officer. The decision of the Chief of Army Staff was intimated to the Major General by the 2 Corps Commander Lt Gen MJS Kahlon today in Ambala," Army officials told ANI.

As per the orders issued in this regard, the confirmation of the sentence was signed by the Army Chief in July itself.

An Army General Court Martial (GCM) on December 23 last year had recommended dismissal of the Major General from service in a more than two-year-old sexual harassment.

Reacting on the decision of the Army Chief, the Major General's lawyer Anand Kumar said, "The confirmation of the sentence and its promulgation is illegal as the Major General has not been supplied a copy of court-martial proceedings till date to enable him to file a pre-confirmation petition despite the orders passed by AFT Delhi."

"His Review Application is also pending and despite that, the sentence has been confirmed by General Rawat who was also made aware of the order of AFT through a legal notice sent by us. We will challenge this confirmation order," he added.

The court-martial had recommended the dismissal of the officer from service after he was charged under section 354A of the IPC and Army Act 45 which is related to unbecoming conduct of officers in the force. As per the Army rules, the recommendation of the GCM is sent to higher authorities for confirmation.

The higher authority has the powers to even change the sentence.

The Major General was posted in the Northeast when the alleged incident took place in late 2016 and was attached to Chandimandir under Army's Western Command for the disciplinary proceedings.

The officer had denied the charges against him levelled by the Captain-rank lady officer. In a plea filed before the Armed Forces Tribunal, the officer had claimed that he was a victim of factionalism within the Army which had allegedly arisen due to the appointment of Army Chief in that year.&nbsp;

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Friday confirmed that the punishment of dismissal has been awarded to a Major General from service in connection with a sexual harassment case.

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Friday confirmed that the punishment of dismissal has been awarded to a Major General from service in connection with a sexual harassment case. "Army Chief General Bipin Rawat has confirmed the sentence awarded to the officer. The decision of the Chief of Army Staff was intimated to the Major General by the 2 Corps Commander Lt Gen MJS Kahlon today in Ambala," Army officials told ANI. As per the orders issued in this regard, the confirmation of the sentence was signed by the Army Chief in July itself. An Army General Court Martial (GCM) on December 23 last year had recommended dismissal of the Major General from service in a more than two-year-old sexual harassment. Reacting on the decision of the Army Chief, the Major General's lawyer Anand Kumar said, "The confirmation of the sentence and its promulgation is illegal as the Major General has not been supplied a copy of court-martial proceedings till date to enable him to file a pre-confirmation petition despite the orders passed by AFT Delhi." "His Review Application is also pending and despite that, the sentence has been confirmed by General Rawat who was also made aware of the order of AFT through a legal notice sent by us. We will challenge this confirmation order," he added. The court-martial had recommended the dismissal of the officer from service after he was charged under section 354A of the IPC and Army Act 45 which is related to unbecoming conduct of officers in the force. As per the Army rules, the recommendation of the GCM is sent to higher authorities for confirmation. The higher authority has the powers to even change the sentence. The Major General was posted in the Northeast when the alleged incident took place in late 2016 and was attached to Chandimandir under Army's Western Command for the disciplinary proceedings. The officer had denied the charges against him levelled by the Captain-rank lady officer. In a plea filed before the Armed Forces Tribunal, the officer had claimed that he was a victim of factionalism within the Army which had allegedly arisen due to the appointment of Army Chief in that year.

Army Chief confirms dismissal of Major General over sexual harassment case

Home Minister Amit Shah will chair a panel of four cabinet ministers to examine ways to prevent workplace sexual harassment, a ministry spokesman said on Wednesday, as activists criticised the official response to the #MeToo movement.

The movement triggered a public outcry, with former junior Foreign Minister M J Akbar and Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi among dozens of high-profile men accused of sexual misconduct.

The new panel, which includes Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, was set up last week, a home ministry official told Reuters.

"The group of ministers was set up on July 18 since the previous panel lapsed ahead of the formation of the new government," spokesman Shelat Harit Ketan said.

The new government was formed after the general election victory of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party in May.

The previous panel, which made no public recommendations, had been set up after the #MeToo online campaign to out alleged sexual harassers, which had begun in the US entertainment industry, took off in India in late 2018.

A year after the accusations surfaced, activists say the movement has gone quiet in India after some of the accused fought back with defamation suits.

Akbar is suing one of his accusers, while Gogoi was cleared of sexual misconduct by a panel of judges in May, to protests.

Both have consistently denied wrongdoing.

"There has been negative publicity, hardly any cases have been filed," said prominent women's rights activist and lawyer Flavia Agnes. "Complainants are afraid of approaching the courts or filing criminal complaints."

Opposition Congress lawmaker Sushmita Dev called the government's decision a knee-jerk reaction to criticism of its failure to make public the findings of the earlier panel.

"It is a foregone conclusion that nothing was done in the past. That is why the proceedings were hidden," she said. "The new committee should hold consultations with all stakeholders and thoroughly examine existing legislation."

Home Minister Amit Shah will chair a panel of four cabinet ministers to examine ways to prevent workplace sexual harassment, a ministry spokesman said on Wednesday, as activists criticised the official response to the #MeToo movement.

Home Minister Amit Shah will chair a panel of four cabinet ministers to examine ways to prevent workplace sexual harassment, a ministry spokesman said on Wednesday, as activists criticised the official response to the #MeToo movement. The movement triggered a public outcry, with former junior Foreign Minister M J Akbar and Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi among dozens of high-profile men accused of sexual misconduct. The new panel, which includes Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, was set up last week, a home ministry official told Reuters. "The group of ministers was set up on July 18 since the previous panel lapsed ahead of the formation of the new government," spokesman Shelat Harit Ketan said. The new government was formed after the general election victory of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party in May. The previous panel, which made no public recommendations, had been set up after the #MeToo online campaign to out alleged sexual harassers, which had begun in the US entertainment industry, took off in India in late 2018. A year after the accusations surfaced, activists say the movement has gone quiet in India after some of the accused fought back with defamation suits. Akbar is suing one of his accusers, while Gogoi was cleared of sexual misconduct by a panel of judges in May, to protests. Both have consistently denied wrongdoing. "There has been negative publicity, hardly any cases have been filed," said prominent women's rights activist and lawyer Flavia Agnes. "Complainants are afraid of approaching the courts or filing criminal complaints." Opposition Congress lawmaker Sushmita Dev called the government's decision a knee-jerk reaction to criticism of its failure to make public the findings of the earlier panel. "It is a foregone conclusion that nothing was done in the past. That is why the proceedings were hidden," she said. "The new committee should hold consultations with all stakeholders and thoroughly examine existing legislation."

Amit Shah to head panel on workplace sexual harassment

Philippines against sexual Harassment

A senior UN official in Afghanistan has called on government offices to adopt policies of "zero tolerance" toward sexual harassment, amid a swirling scandal that has seen women allege routine misconduct in the corridors of power.

The controversy erupted in May when General Habibullah Ahmadzai, a former security advisor to President Ashraf Ghani, alleged that some members of Ghani's administration were trading government positions for sexual favours.

The attorney general's office is investigating the matter, and Ghani's spokesman has rejected Ahmadzai's claims as "completely false and baseless".

But several women have spoken out in the media with their own allegations, and stories of inappropriate behaviour by male officials are commonplace in Kabul.

Women's rights have made some significant steps since the fall of the Taliban nearly two decades ago: out of 320 parliamentary seats, roughly a quarter are held by women.

But despite these gains, harassment, abuse and violence remain commonplace.

Richard Bennett, the head of human rights for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, on Sunday addressed a conference in Kabul that included a discussion about a potential law aimed at ending violence against women.

"The issue of harassment in the workplace is of huge concern to Afghan women, primarily because it can eventually lead to a sexual assault," Bennett said, according to prepared remarks provided Monday.&nbsp;

"This should be a concern for everyone: police, prosecutors, judicial officials and civil society."

Bennett said he was strongly encouraging the attorney general's office and other bodies to develop and implement a comprehensive "zero tolerance" policy regarding the harassment of women in the workplace.

"It will send the signal that harassment of women and girls will not be tolerated and will be punished," he said.

Sarwar Danish, Afghanistan's second vice president, called on prosecutors to "seriously investigate" the reports at a press conference on Sunday.

"If the allegations are proved, after the investigation these people should be exposed. Such crimes are not acceptable to the Afghan government."

A senior UN official in Afghanistan has called on government offices to adopt policies of "zero tolerance" toward sexual harassment, amid a swirling scandal that has seen women allege routine misconduct in the corridors of power.

A senior UN official in Afghanistan has called on government offices to adopt policies of "zero tolerance" toward sexual harassment, amid a swirling scandal that has seen women allege routine misconduct in the corridors of power. The controversy erupted in May when General Habibullah Ahmadzai, a former security advisor to President Ashraf Ghani, alleged that some members of Ghani's administration were trading government positions for sexual favours. The attorney general's office is investigating the matter, and Ghani's spokesman has rejected Ahmadzai's claims as "completely false and baseless". But several women have spoken out in the media with their own allegations, and stories of inappropriate behaviour by male officials are commonplace in Kabul. Women's rights have made some significant steps since the fall of the Taliban nearly two decades ago: out of 320 parliamentary seats, roughly a quarter are held by women. But despite these gains, harassment, abuse and violence remain commonplace. Richard Bennett, the head of human rights for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, on Sunday addressed a conference in Kabul that included a discussion about a potential law aimed at ending violence against women. "The issue of harassment in the workplace is of huge concern to Afghan women, primarily because it can eventually lead to a sexual assault," Bennett said, according to prepared remarks provided Monday. "This should be a concern for everyone: police, prosecutors, judicial officials and civil society." Bennett said he was strongly encouraging the attorney general's office and other bodies to develop and implement a comprehensive "zero tolerance" policy regarding the harassment of women in the workplace. "It will send the signal that harassment of women and girls will not be tolerated and will be punished," he said. Sarwar Danish, Afghanistan's second vice president, called on prosecutors to "seriously investigate" the reports at a press conference on Sunday. "If the allegations are proved, after the investigation these people should be exposed. Such crimes are not acceptable to the Afghan government."

United Nations calls for 'zero tolerance' on sexual harassment in Afghanistan workplace

A senior Bangladesh police officer has been arrested for failing to properly investigate the shocking murder of a teenaged girl who was ordered burned to death by a teacher she accused of sexual assault, officials said.

The killing of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-girl-burned-to-death-on-teachers-order-police-211787">Nusrat Jahan Rafi</a> in April sparked protests across the South Asian nation, with the prime minister promising to prosecute all those involved.

At least 16 people,&nbsp;including the teacher, have been charged in connection with the killing and could face the death penalty if convicted.

Rafi was lured to the rooftop of an Islamic seminary she attended where her attackers asked her to withdraw a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bangladeshis-protest-after-sexually-assaulted-girl-burned-to-death-212060">sexual harassment</a> complaint filed with police against the head teacher.

When she refused, she was doused in kerosene and set on fire. She died five days later, her death highlighted an alarming rise in sexual harassment cases in Bangladesh.

An investigation by authorities later found Moazzem Hossain, the police chief of the town where Rafi was killed, had not properly dealt with the complaint the teenager made.

Bangladesh police spokesman Sohel Rana confirmed in a text message to AFP that Hossain had been arrested.

He and two other inspectors have been suspended by the police department.

Rafi went to the police in late March to make allegations of sexual harassment against the head teacher. A leaked video showed Hossain registering her complaint, but dismissing it as "not a big deal".

Hossain was accused of illegally filming the video, which was later circulated on social media platforms. He went into hiding after a court issued a warrant for his arrest.

At least five people,&nbsp;including three of Rafi's classmates,tied her up with a scarf before setting her on fire. The plan was to pass the incident off as a case of suicide.

Rafi suffered burns to 80 per cent of her body and died in hospital on April 10.

She recorded a video before her death, repeating her allegations against the teacher.

A senior Bangladesh police officer has been arrested for failing to properly investigate the shocking murder of a teenaged girl who was ordered burned to death by a teacher she accused of sexual assault, officials said.

A senior Bangladesh police officer has been arrested for failing to properly investigate the shocking murder of a teenaged girl who was ordered burned to death by a teacher she accused of sexual assault, officials said. The killing of Nusrat Jahan Rafi in April sparked protests across the South Asian nation, with the prime minister promising to prosecute all those involved. At least 16 people, including the teacher, have been charged in connection with the killing and could face the death penalty if convicted. Rafi was lured to the rooftop of an Islamic seminary she attended where her attackers asked her to withdraw a sexual harassment complaint filed with police against the head teacher. When she refused, she was doused in kerosene and set on fire. She died five days later, her death highlighted an alarming rise in sexual harassment cases in Bangladesh. An investigation by authorities later found Moazzem Hossain, the police chief of the town where Rafi was killed, had not properly dealt with the complaint the teenager made. Bangladesh police spokesman Sohel Rana confirmed in a text message to AFP that Hossain had been arrested. He and two other inspectors have been suspended by the police department. Rafi went to the police in late March to make allegations of sexual harassment against the head teacher. A leaked video showed Hossain registering her complaint, but dismissing it as "not a big deal". Hossain was accused of illegally filming the video, which was later circulated on social media platforms. He went into hiding after a court issued a warrant for his arrest. At least five people, including three of Rafi's classmates,tied her up with a scarf before setting her on fire. The plan was to pass the incident off as a case of suicide. Rafi suffered burns to 80 per cent of her body and died in hospital on April 10. She recorded a video before her death, repeating her allegations against the teacher.

Bangladesh officer held for failing to probe teenager's grisly murder

The police may have given <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/tanushree-dutta-sexual-harassment-case-police-gives-nana-patekar-clean-chit-closes-the-case-226825">a clean chit to actor Nana Patekar</a>, but actress Tanushree Dutta is not giving up just yet. The actress is likely to file a petition at the Bombay High Court in the coming days.&nbsp;

On Thursday, the Mumbai Police investigating the case submitted the report in court which stated that they didn't found any evidence against Nana gave him a clean chit.&nbsp;

Now, Dutta's lawyer Nitin Satpute has stated that they are yet to receive the official report from the police and only after receiving the B-Summary report, they will file a writ petition and challenge the report in the Bombay High Court.

A 'B-Summary' report is filed when the police do not find any evidence against the accused person to file a charge sheet and seek trial.

As Patekar was given a clean chit, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/tanushree-dutta-responds-to-nana-patekars-clean-chit-says-neither-shocked-nor-surprised-226848">Dutta had stated that she was not surprised or shocked</a>. "I'm neither shocked nor surprised being a woman in India, this is something we all have got used to. I mean if rape accused Alok Nath got a clean chit and returned to movies then surely it was not going to be difficult for harassment accused Nana Patekar to get himself or shall we say buy himself a clean chit to continue to bully hapless young women.”

She added, “But the proof is in the pudding and a gentle reminder to the Indian public to watch the video of my car being mercilessly attacked and broken while I and my family tried to escape from these monsters on ‘Horn OK Please’ set 10 years ago. After this, if you still decide to watch their movies and support then it's your bad karma. You are a corrupt people with no justice but Gods justice will rain on you someday hopefully and will avenge for all the humiliation, insult, harassment, judgment and trauma I have had to endure in the last 10+ years because of this attitude.”

In October 2018, Tanushree had accused Nana Patekar of behaving inappropriately with her on the sets of her film ‘Horn Ok Pleassss’ back in 2008. She had alleged that the actor had forcefully tried to introduce intimate steps into the choreography of a special song in the film which Dutta was a part of. According to her, choreographer Ganesh Acharya had refused to intervene. Tanushree, eventually, had walked out of the film and Rakhi Sawant replaced her in the song.

The police may have given a clean chit to actor Nana Patekar, but actress Tanushree Dutta is not giving up just yet. The actress is likely to file a petition at the Bombay High Court in the coming days.

The police may have given a clean chit to actor Nana Patekar, but actress Tanushree Dutta is not giving up just yet. The actress is likely to file a petition at the Bombay High Court in the coming days. On Thursday, the Mumbai Police investigating the case submitted the report in court which stated that they didn't found any evidence against Nana gave him a clean chit. Now, Dutta's lawyer Nitin Satpute has stated that they are yet to receive the official report from the police and only after receiving the B-Summary report, they will file a writ petition and challenge the report in the Bombay High Court. A 'B-Summary' report is filed when the police do not find any evidence against the accused person to file a charge sheet and seek trial. As Patekar was given a clean chit, Dutta had stated that she was not surprised or shocked. "I'm neither shocked nor surprised being a woman in India, this is something we all have got used to. I mean if rape accused Alok Nath got a clean chit and returned to movies then surely it was not going to be difficult for harassment accused Nana Patekar to get himself or shall we say buy himself a clean chit to continue to bully hapless young women.” She added, “But the proof is in the pudding and a gentle reminder to the Indian public to watch the video of my car being mercilessly attacked and broken while I and my family tried to escape from these monsters on ‘Horn OK Please’ set 10 years ago. After this, if you still decide to watch their movies and support then it's your bad karma. You are a corrupt people with no justice but Gods justice will rain on you someday hopefully and will avenge for all the humiliation, insult, harassment, judgment and trauma I have had to endure in the last 10+ years because of this attitude.” In October 2018, Tanushree had accused Nana Patekar of behaving inappropriately with her on the sets of her film ‘Horn Ok Pleassss’ back in 2008. She had alleged that the actor had forcefully tried to introduce intimate steps into the choreography of a special song in the film which Dutta was a part of. According to her, choreographer Ganesh Acharya had refused to intervene. Tanushree, eventually, had walked out of the film and Rakhi Sawant replaced her in the song.

Tanushree Dutta likely to file petition in Bombay High Court as Nana Patekar gets a clean chit

Mumbai Police have closed Nana Patekar sexual harassment case. Tanushree had accused Nana of sexually harassing her <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/tanushree-dutta-accuses-nana-patekar-harassing-her-set-10-years-ago-167771">on a film set 10 years ago.</a> Giving the actor a clean chit, the police have now decided to close the case informing a local court through a&nbsp;'B Summary' report on Wednesday that they have no evidence to prosecute Nana in the case.

A 'B-Summary' report is filed when the police do not find any evidence against the accused person to file a chargesheet and seek trial.

Tanushree's lawyer Nitin Satpute slammed the police move and said he is going to file an appeal in the Bombay High Court. "I have not received any official information from Oshiwara police station about classification of offence (summary report) from the police on behalf of Tanushree Dutta. If police files any B or C classification of summary report that cannot be final, we can oppose before court and after hearing if court is satisfied, it can direct the police to re-investigate the case," he said.

"The police acted negligently to protect Nana Patekar, statements of many witnesses have not been recorded yet. The police have not investigated the case properly so we are opposing summary reports and also going to file writ petition before the Bombay High Court," the lawyer added.

Last week, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/tanushree-dutta-harassment-case-why-blame-bollywood-alone-we-are-all-culprits-169158">Tanushree Dutta </a>had slammed reports that stated that the police had closed the case and termed the news as rumours. She also claimed that Nana's public relation team was spreading all these false rumours as those accused in sexual harassment cases were not getting any work in the film industry. Tanushree claimed that in order to fix his public image, his team was spreading false rumours.

In October 2018, Tanushree had accused Nana Patekar of behaving inappropriately with her on the sets of her film ‘Horn Ok Pleassss’ back in 2008. She had alleged that the actor had forcefully tried to introduce intimate steps into the choreography of a special song in the film which Dutta was a part of. According to her, choreographer Ganesh Acharya had refused to intervene. Tanushree, eventually, had walked out of the film and Rakhi Sawant replaced her in the song.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/watch-footage-attack-tanushree-duttas-car-sets-hork-ok-pleassss-goes-viral-168700">Watch: Footage of attack on Tanushree Dutta's car on the sets of 'Hork Ok Pleassss' goes viral</a>

The incident was reported back then but the police had not taken any action against those Tanushree accused. The actress eventually moved to the US. It only in the October last year, that during an interview, the actress retold the story which sparked off the #MeToo movement in India with many women speaking out and calling out offenders. Big names from media, film, and business world were called out.&nbsp;

Mumbai Police have closed Nana Patekar sexual harassment case. Tanushree had accused Nana of sexually harassing her on a film set 10 years ago. Giving the actor a clean chit, the police have now decided to close the case informing a local court through a 'B Summary' report on Wednesday that they have no evidence to prosecute Nana in the case.

Mumbai Police have closed Nana Patekar sexual harassment case. Tanushree had accused Nana of sexually harassing her on a film set 10 years ago. Giving the actor a clean chit, the police have now decided to close the case informing a local court through a 'B Summary' report on Wednesday that they have no evidence to prosecute Nana in the case. A 'B-Summary' report is filed when the police do not find any evidence against the accused person to file a chargesheet and seek trial. Tanushree's lawyer Nitin Satpute slammed the police move and said he is going to file an appeal in the Bombay High Court. "I have not received any official information from Oshiwara police station about classification of offence (summary report) from the police on behalf of Tanushree Dutta. If police files any B or C classification of summary report that cannot be final, we can oppose before court and after hearing if court is satisfied, it can direct the police to re-investigate the case," he said. "The police acted negligently to protect Nana Patekar, statements of many witnesses have not been recorded yet. The police have not investigated the case properly so we are opposing summary reports and also going to file writ petition before the Bombay High Court," the lawyer added. Last week, Tanushree Dutta had slammed reports that stated that the police had closed the case and termed the news as rumours. She also claimed that Nana's public relation team was spreading all these false rumours as those accused in sexual harassment cases were not getting any work in the film industry. Tanushree claimed that in order to fix his public image, his team was spreading false rumours. In October 2018, Tanushree had accused Nana Patekar of behaving inappropriately with her on the sets of her film ‘Horn Ok Pleassss’ back in 2008. She had alleged that the actor had forcefully tried to introduce intimate steps into the choreography of a special song in the film which Dutta was a part of. According to her, choreographer Ganesh Acharya had refused to intervene. Tanushree, eventually, had walked out of the film and Rakhi Sawant replaced her in the song. Watch: Footage of attack on Tanushree Dutta's car on the sets of 'Hork Ok Pleassss' goes viral The incident was reported back then but the police had not taken any action against those Tanushree accused. The actress eventually moved to the US. It only in the October last year, that during an interview, the actress retold the story which sparked off the #MeToo movement in India with many women speaking out and calling out offenders. Big names from media, film, and business world were called out.

Tanushree Dutta sexual harassment case: Police gives Nana Patekar clean chit, closes the case

After reports of filmmaker <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/two-more-women-accuse-queen-director-vikas-bahl-of-sexually-harassing-them-170271">Vikas Bahl getting acquitted of sexual harassment charges </a>came in media, Rangoli Chandel, sister of Kangana Ranaut, slammed the move and said the girls who raise voice against sexual assaults will now be shamed.

Rangoli also took a dig at actor Alok Nath who&nbsp;was granted anticipatory bail a few months ago in an alleged rape case filed by writer-producer Vinita Nanda.

"After Alok Nath Vikas Bahl gets clean chit, whereas girls will be shamed all their lives for raising their voices, Bollywood scum land on this earth remember jaise woh film piti thi yeh bhi pitegi (the movie will be a flop like the earlier one)," Rangoli tweeted.

Rangoli further wrote, " tum logon ka hisab hoga (you guys will face the consequences), there is a world beyond this world, where a woman`s cry isn`t unheard."

Bahl was facing charges of sexually harassing a woman, who used to work as a crew member with him, following which the Indian Film and Television Directors` Association served a show-cause notice to him.

According to media reports, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/vikas-bahl-may-not-be-credited-for-his-work-in-super-30-170450">Bahl's name will be incorporated</a> in the credits of the upcoming Hrithik Roshan starrer film `Super 30`.

After reports of filmmaker Vikas Bahl getting acquitted of sexual harassment charges came in media, Rangoli Chandel, sister of Kangana Ranaut, slammed the move and said the girls who raise voice against sexual assaults will now be shamed.

After reports of filmmaker Vikas Bahl getting acquitted of sexual harassment charges came in media, Rangoli Chandel, sister of Kangana Ranaut, slammed the move and said the girls who raise voice against sexual assaults will now be shamed. Rangoli also took a dig at actor Alok Nath who was granted anticipatory bail a few months ago in an alleged rape case filed by writer-producer Vinita Nanda. "After Alok Nath Vikas Bahl gets clean chit, whereas girls will be shamed all their lives for raising their voices, Bollywood scum land on this earth remember jaise woh film piti thi yeh bhi pitegi (the movie will be a flop like the earlier one)," Rangoli tweeted. Rangoli further wrote, " tum logon ka hisab hoga (you guys will face the consequences), there is a world beyond this world, where a woman`s cry isn`t unheard." Bahl was facing charges of sexually harassing a woman, who used to work as a crew member with him, following which the Indian Film and Television Directors` Association served a show-cause notice to him. According to media reports, Bahl's name will be incorporated in the credits of the upcoming Hrithik Roshan starrer film `Super 30`.

Kangana Ranaut's sister slams Vikas Bahl's acquittal in sexual harassment case

Ellen DeGeneres' mother, Betty DeGeneres, has opened up about her daughter's claims that she was<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/ellen-degeneres-reveals-shocking-details-of-sexual-abuse-by-stepfather-on-david-letterman-show-222424"> sexually abused by her stepfather.</a>

The American comedian and talk show host spoke about being sexually assaulted on David Letterman's Netflix talk show `My Next Guest Needs No Introduction`, by her mother's then-husband when she was a teen,&nbsp;

Believing the claims of Ellen, the 89-year-old said she loves her daughter, according to Fox News.

"I know now that one of the hardest things to do is speak up after being sexually abused," Betty said to NBC News.

"I love my daughter, and I wish I had the capacity to listen to her when she told me what happened."

"I live with that regret, and I wouldn't want that for any other parent. If someone in your life has the courage to speak out, please believe them," she added.

During her interview with Letterman, Ellen admitted the man reportedly touched her breasts.

"He told me when she (my mom)&nbsp;was out of town that he`d felt a lump in (my mother`s)&nbsp;breast and needed to feel my breasts because he didn`t want to upset her, but he needed to feel mine," she recalled.

"I`m angry at myself because, you know, I didn't - I was too weak to stand up to - I was 15 or 16. It's a really horrible, horrible story and the only reason I'm actually going to go into detail about it is because I want other girls to not ever let someone do that."

She continued, "We (women)&nbsp;just don't feel like we`re worthy, or we're scared to have a voice, and we`re scared to say no. That's the only reason I think it`s important to talk about it because there are so many young girls and it doesn`t matter how old you are. When I see people speaking out, especially now, it angers me when victims aren`t believed, because we just don`t make stuff up. And I like men, but there are so many men that get away with so much."

"It is just time for us to have a voice. It`s time for us to have power," the Emmy-winner added.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Ellen DeGeneres' mother, Betty DeGeneres, has opened up about her daughter's claims that she was sexually abused by her stepfather. The American comedian and talk show host spoke about being sexually assaulted on David Letterman's Netflix talk show `My Next Guest Needs No Introduction`, by her mother's then-husband when she was a teen, Believing the claims of Ellen, the 89-year-old said she loves her daughter, according to Fox News.

Ellen DeGeneres' mother, Betty DeGeneres, has opened up about her daughter's claims that she was sexually abused by her stepfather. The American comedian and talk show host spoke about being sexually assaulted on David Letterman's Netflix talk show `My Next Guest Needs No Introduction`, by her mother's then-husband when she was a teen, Believing the claims of Ellen, the 89-year-old said she loves her daughter, according to Fox News. "I know now that one of the hardest things to do is speak up after being sexually abused," Betty said to NBC News. "I love my daughter, and I wish I had the capacity to listen to her when she told me what happened." "I live with that regret, and I wouldn't want that for any other parent. If someone in your life has the courage to speak out, please believe them," she added. During her interview with Letterman, Ellen admitted the man reportedly touched her breasts. "He told me when she (my mom) was out of town that he`d felt a lump in (my mother`s) breast and needed to feel my breasts because he didn`t want to upset her, but he needed to feel mine," she recalled. "I`m angry at myself because, you know, I didn't - I was too weak to stand up to - I was 15 or 16. It's a really horrible, horrible story and the only reason I'm actually going to go into detail about it is because I want other girls to not ever let someone do that." She continued, "We (women) just don't feel like we`re worthy, or we're scared to have a voice, and we`re scared to say no. That's the only reason I think it`s important to talk about it because there are so many young girls and it doesn`t matter how old you are. When I see people speaking out, especially now, it angers me when victims aren`t believed, because we just don`t make stuff up. And I like men, but there are so many men that get away with so much." "It is just time for us to have a voice. It`s time for us to have power," the Emmy-winner added.

Ellen DeGeneres' mother opens up about daughter's sexual assault claims

A Tokyo police smartphone app to scare off molesters has become a smash hit in Japan, where women have long run the gauntlet of groping on packed rush-hour trains.

Victims of groping can activate the Digi Police app, which either blasts out a voice shouting "stop it" at top volume, or produces a full-screen SOS message -- which victims can show other passengers -- reading: "There is a molester. Please help."

The app has been downloaded more than 237,000 times, an "unusually high figure" for a public service app, said police official Keiko Toyamine.

"Thanks to its popularity, the number is increasing by some 10,000 every month," Toyamine told AFP.

Victims are often too scared to call out for help, she said. But by using the SOS message mode, "they can notify other passengers about groping while remaining silent".

There were nearly 900 groping and other harassment cases on Tokyo trains and subways reported in 2017, according to the latest available data from the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department.

"But it's the tip of the iceberg," Toyamine said, with victims often hesitant to come forward.

Offenders face up to six months in jail or fines of up to&nbsp;$5,500 dollars. The potential jail sentence is increased to 10 years if violence or threats are used.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department quietly launched the free Digi Police app three years ago.&nbsp;

It initially aimed to provide information for elderly people, as well as parents and their children about scams or prowlers.

But the function to "repel molesters" was added a few months after the launch.&nbsp;

And an online conversation about the app -- caused by a female pop idol being assaulted late last year -- resulted in its sudden popularity.

Yui Kimura, a 27-year-old beer shop employee on the nation's northern island of Hokkaido, says she is always worried about groping whenever she visits the capital. "I tend to be vigilant on Tokyo trains as dodgy men can happen to be in front of me at any time," Kimura said.

Reina Oishi, a 21-year-old university student in Tokyo, also said: "I want to download the app as I have been groped so many times."

Experts agree that the app could be a boon for "silent" victims.

"Molesters tend to target those who appear shy and reluctant to lodge a police complaint," said Akiyoshi Saito, a certified social worker who supported some 800 former molesters during a rehabilitation programme.

Groping on trains can occur in any country where trains are frequently crowded, Saito told AFP.

"But the idea that men are superior to women, which is Japan's traditional bias, may help sustain" sexual harassment on trains in the country, he added.

Awareness of the issue has risen in Japan in recent years, with women exchanging tips on how to avoid unwanted attention online.

East Japan Railway runs women-only carriages during rush hours and has set up security cameras on some lines notorious for a high rate of groping.

A Tokyo police smartphone app to scare off molesters has become a smash hit in Japan, where women have long run the gauntlet of groping on packed rush-hour trains.

A Tokyo police smartphone app to scare off molesters has become a smash hit in Japan, where women have long run the gauntlet of groping on packed rush-hour trains. Victims of groping can activate the Digi Police app, which either blasts out a voice shouting "stop it" at top volume, or produces a full-screen SOS message -- which victims can show other passengers -- reading: "There is a molester. Please help." The app has been downloaded more than 237,000 times, an "unusually high figure" for a public service app, said police official Keiko Toyamine. "Thanks to its popularity, the number is increasing by some 10,000 every month," Toyamine told AFP. Victims are often too scared to call out for help, she said. But by using the SOS message mode, "they can notify other passengers about groping while remaining silent". There were nearly 900 groping and other harassment cases on Tokyo trains and subways reported in 2017, according to the latest available data from the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department. "But it's the tip of the iceberg," Toyamine said, with victims often hesitant to come forward. Offenders face up to six months in jail or fines of up to $5,500 dollars. The potential jail sentence is increased to 10 years if violence or threats are used. The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department quietly launched the free Digi Police app three years ago. It initially aimed to provide information for elderly people, as well as parents and their children about scams or prowlers. But the function to "repel molesters" was added a few months after the launch. And an online conversation about the app -- caused by a female pop idol being assaulted late last year -- resulted in its sudden popularity. Yui Kimura, a 27-year-old beer shop employee on the nation's northern island of Hokkaido, says she is always worried about groping whenever she visits the capital. "I tend to be vigilant on Tokyo trains as dodgy men can happen to be in front of me at any time," Kimura said. Reina Oishi, a 21-year-old university student in Tokyo, also said: "I want to download the app as I have been groped so many times." Experts agree that the app could be a boon for "silent" victims. "Molesters tend to target those who appear shy and reluctant to lodge a police complaint," said Akiyoshi Saito, a certified social worker who supported some 800 former molesters during a rehabilitation programme. Groping on trains can occur in any country where trains are frequently crowded, Saito told AFP. "But the idea that men are superior to women, which is Japan's traditional bias, may help sustain" sexual harassment on trains in the country, he added. Awareness of the issue has risen in Japan in recent years, with women exchanging tips on how to avoid unwanted attention online. East Japan Railway runs women-only carriages during rush hours and has set up security cameras on some lines notorious for a high rate of groping.

'Stop it!' Japan's smartphone app to scare off molesters becomes smash hit

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mcdonalds-drops-several-items-from-menu-in-reopened-stores-in-india-220191">McDonald's Corp</a> was accused on Tuesday in 25 new lawsuits and regulatory charges of condoning sexual harassment in the workplace and retaliating against employees who speak up.

The cases announced by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the labour group Fight for $15, and the Time's Up Legal Defense Fund cover alleged misconduct at McDonald's locations in 20 US cities, including groping, indecent exposure, propositions for sex, and lewd comments.

McDonald's is one of the world's most recognizable brands, and the cases make the fast-food chain a primary target of a campaign to extend the #MeToo movement, which sprung from sexual harassment cases in Hollywood, to the workplace.

The Chicago-based company said it has more than 14,000 locations in the United States with some 850,000 workers.

More than 90 per cent of the locations are franchised, and McDonald's has long maintained it should not be liable for how employees in franchised restaurants behave.

Chief Executive Steve Easterbrook said his company has improved and more clearly defined its harassment policies, has trained most franchise owners, and will be training front-line employees and setting up a complaint hotline.

"McDonald's is sending a clear message that we are committed to creating and sustaining a culture of trust where employees feel safe, valued and respected," Easterbrook wrote in letters this week to Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth and "Top Chef" host Padma Lakshmi, who supports the workers' cause.

The 25 cases include three new lawsuits, two by workers who previously filed charges, and charges filed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

McDonald's has faced more than 50 such charges and lawsuits in the last three years, the ACLU said. Last September, McDonald's workers in 10 cities staged a one-day strike to protest alleged sexual harassment.

Jamelia Fairley, a single mother who makes $9.60 an hour at a corporate-owned McDonald's in Sanford, Florida, told reporters she went to the EEOC after a co-worker began groping her, rubbing against her and saying he could "give me a ride."

She said that after she reported the harassment, McDonald's transferred but did not fire her harasser, while her boss cut her weekly hours to seven from 25,

"Trying to raise a 2-year-old on $67 a week is, well, I can't do it," Fairley said.

Sharyn Tejani, director of the Time's Up fund, which is part of the National Women's Law Center, said having to put up with workplace harassment should not be a cost of making a living.

"For McDonald's, time is past up," she said.

McDonald's Corp was accused on Tuesday in 25 new lawsuits and regulatory charges of condoning sexual harassment in the workplace and retaliating against employees who speak up.

McDonald's Corp was accused on Tuesday in 25 new lawsuits and regulatory charges of condoning sexual harassment in the workplace and retaliating against employees who speak up. The cases announced by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the labour group Fight for $15, and the Time's Up Legal Defense Fund cover alleged misconduct at McDonald's locations in 20 US cities, including groping, indecent exposure, propositions for sex, and lewd comments. McDonald's is one of the world's most recognizable brands, and the cases make the fast-food chain a primary target of a campaign to extend the #MeToo movement, which sprung from sexual harassment cases in Hollywood, to the workplace. The Chicago-based company said it has more than 14,000 locations in the United States with some 850,000 workers. More than 90 per cent of the locations are franchised, and McDonald's has long maintained it should not be liable for how employees in franchised restaurants behave. Chief Executive Steve Easterbrook said his company has improved and more clearly defined its harassment policies, has trained most franchise owners, and will be training front-line employees and setting up a complaint hotline. "McDonald's is sending a clear message that we are committed to creating and sustaining a culture of trust where employees feel safe, valued and respected," Easterbrook wrote in letters this week to Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth and "Top Chef" host Padma Lakshmi, who supports the workers' cause. The 25 cases include three new lawsuits, two by workers who previously filed charges, and charges filed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). McDonald's has faced more than 50 such charges and lawsuits in the last three years, the ACLU said. Last September, McDonald's workers in 10 cities staged a one-day strike to protest alleged sexual harassment. Jamelia Fairley, a single mother who makes $9.60 an hour at a corporate-owned McDonald's in Sanford, Florida, told reporters she went to the EEOC after a co-worker began groping her, rubbing against her and saying he could "give me a ride." She said that after she reported the harassment, McDonald's transferred but did not fire her harasser, while her boss cut her weekly hours to seven from 25, "Trying to raise a 2-year-old on $67 a week is, well, I can't do it," Fairley said. Sharyn Tejani, director of the Time's Up fund, which is part of the National Women's Law Center, said having to put up with workplace harassment should not be a cost of making a living. "For McDonald's, time is past up," she said.

McDonald's faces 25 new sexual harassment complaints from workers

A Bulgarian boxer who grabbed a female broadcaster's face and kissed her on the lips during a post-fight interview was suspended until July by the California State Athletic Commission on Tuesday following tearful testimony by the interviewer. Kubrat Pulev, a heavyweight contender known as "The Cobra," was also ordered during a commission hearing to attend sexual harassment prevention classes and pay a $2,500 fine before he can fight again in the state of California.

Bulgarian boxer suspended in California for kissing broadcaster

The in-house committee led by Justice S A Bobde on Monday gave a clean chit to Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi in a sexual harassment case.&nbsp;

The committee, also comprises Justices Indu Malhotra and Indira Banerjee, said it found no substance in the sexual harassment allegations against CJI Ranjan Gogoi.&nbsp;

The Chief Justice appeared before the panel on May 1.&nbsp;

The committee has found "no substance" in the allegations of sexual harassment levelled against CJI by a former woman employee of the apex court.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-gravitas-sexual-harassment-allegations-against-cji-213533/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

A notice by the office of Supreme Court Secretary-General also said that the report of the committee constituted as part of the In-House procedure is not liable to be made public.

The In-House Inquiry committee has submitted its report dated May 5, 2019 in accordance with the In-House procedure, to the next senior judge, after Justice Bobde who is competent to receive the report and also sent a copy to the judge concerned, namely the Chief Justice of India, it said.

(With inputs from PTI)

The in-house committee led by Justice S A Bobde on Monday gave a clean chit to Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi in a sexual harassment case. The committee, also comprises Justices Indu Malhotra and Indira Banerjee, said it found no substance in the sexual harassment allegations against CJI Ranjan Gogoi.

The in-house committee led by Justice S A Bobde on Monday gave a clean chit to Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi in a sexual harassment case. The committee, also comprises Justices Indu Malhotra and Indira Banerjee, said it found no substance in the sexual harassment allegations against CJI Ranjan Gogoi. The Chief Justice appeared before the panel on May 1. The committee has found "no substance" in the allegations of sexual harassment levelled against CJI by a former woman employee of the apex court. A notice by the office of Supreme Court Secretary-General also said that the report of the committee constituted as part of the In-House procedure is not liable to be made public. The In-House Inquiry committee has submitted its report dated May 5, 2019 in accordance with the In-House procedure, to the next senior judge, after Justice Bobde who is competent to receive the report and also sent a copy to the judge concerned, namely the Chief Justice of India, it said. (With inputs from PTI)

CJI Ranjan Gogoi gets clean chit in sexual harassment case by Supreme Court's in-house panel

Justice NV Ramana, part of three-member in-house inquiry panel set up to examine the allegations of sexual harassment against Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi, recused himself from it on Thursday.

WION Gravitas: Sexual harassment allegations against CJI

The Supreme Court Wednesday directed the CBI, IB and Delhi Police chiefs to appear before it and meet in chambers the judges hearing a lawyer's claims of a larger conspiracy to frame CJI Ranjan Gogoi on allegations of sexual harassment.&nbsp;

The matter is being heard a three-judge special bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra.

The bench said it will meet the CBI and IB directors and the Delhi Police commissioner in "secret".

"It is not an enquiry. We are meeting these officers in secret. We don't want any evidence to be disclosed," the bench also comprising justices R F Nariman and Deepak Gupta said.

The matter relates to the independence of the judiciary in the country, the bench said.

Mishra has termed the entire episode as "very disturbing".

It directed that the officers will meet the judges in the chamber at 12:30 pm and the bench will reassemble to hear the matter again at 3 pm.

The lawyer, Utsav Singh Bains, has submitted a report in the Supreme Court regarding his claims that there was a conspiracy to frame the Chief Justice of India in a sexual harassment case. 
The court perused the report of the lawyer, which was filed in a sealed cover, about allegations that there are some who manage verdicts.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court Wednesday directed the CBI, IB and Delhi Police chiefs to appear before it and meet in chambers the judges hearing a lawyer's claims of a larger conspiracy to frame CJI Ranjan Gogoi on allegations of sexual harassment.

The Supreme Court Wednesday directed the CBI, IB and Delhi Police chiefs to appear before it and meet in chambers the judges hearing a lawyer's claims of a larger conspiracy to frame CJI Ranjan Gogoi on allegations of sexual harassment. The matter is being heard a three-judge special bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra. The bench said it will meet the CBI and IB directors and the Delhi Police commissioner in "secret". "It is not an enquiry. We are meeting these officers in secret. We don't want any evidence to be disclosed," the bench also comprising justices R F Nariman and Deepak Gupta said. The matter relates to the independence of the judiciary in the country, the bench said. Mishra has termed the entire episode as "very disturbing". It directed that the officers will meet the judges in the chamber at 12:30 pm and the bench will reassemble to hear the matter again at 3 pm. The lawyer, Utsav Singh Bains, has submitted a report in the Supreme Court regarding his claims that there was a conspiracy to frame the Chief Justice of India in a sexual harassment case. The court perused the report of the lawyer, which was filed in a sealed cover, about allegations that there are some who manage verdicts.

Sexual harassment allegations against CJI: Supreme Court asks CBI, IB, Delhi Police chiefs to appear

Bangladesh has ordered some 27,000 schools to set up committees to prevent sexual violence, an official said Sunday, after a teenager who accused a teacher of sexual harassment was burned to death.

The killing of 19-year-old Nusrat Jahan Rafi has sparked outrage across the South Asian nation of 165 million people and put police action in the case under the spotlight.

Protesters in the capital <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bangladeshis-protest-after-sexually-assaulted-girl-burned-to-death-212060">Dhaka staged demonstrations for an 11th day</a> on Sunday, seeking "exemplary punishment" for the killers of the girl.

Police say she was lured to the rooftop of the Islamic seminary she attended in Feni, south of the capital, where her attackers ordered her to withdraw a police complaint against the head of the school.&nbsp;

When she refused, she was doused in kerosene and set on fire.

Rafi died in hospital on April 10 after suffering 80 per cent burns. At least 20 people, including the head teacher, have been arrested.

Activists say the murder has exposed a "culture of impunity" surrounding sex crimes against women and children, and that fact that those who report harassment often suffer a backlash.

Amid nationwide protests, the Bangladesh government has ordered more than 27,000 schools and colleges to form a five-member committee to prevent sexual violence, an official said.

"The committee will be led by female teachers. They will take steps to prevent sexual harassment and take up any complaints," the director of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education, Shahedul Khabir Chowdhury, told AFP.

He said the committees were being formed by an order from the country's high court, which in 2009 laid down a set of guidelines to prevent sexual harassment of women and children at workplaces, schools and on the streets.

Rafi went to police in late March to report the harassment and a leaked video shows the local police station chief registering her complaint but dismissing it as "not a big deal".

Police said at least five of those under arrest, including three of Rafi's classmates, tied her up with a scarf before setting her on fire. They had planned to pass off the death as a suicide.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has vowed that all those involved will face action and police say they are investigating why more was not done to protect Rafi.

More than 100 protesters at the country's elite Dhaka University held hands to form a human chain as part of continued demonstrations over the grisly murder.

"I joined the protest because Nusrat Rafi's murder was a wake-up call for all our women," Dhaka University student Antara Labiba told AFP.

"I am also a victim of sexual harassment. I think most women in Bangladesh face sexual harassment in their families, schools, markets and workplaces," she said.

The Manusher Jonno Foundation, a non-government group, says there have been at least 39 cases of children under 18 being raped in Bangladesh since April 2.

Another eight have been subjected to sexual harassment, the group says.

Bangladesh has ordered some 27,000 schools to set up committees to prevent sexual violence, an official said Sunday, after a teenager who accused a teacher of sexual harassment was burned to death.

Bangladesh has ordered some 27,000 schools to set up committees to prevent sexual violence, an official said Sunday, after a teenager who accused a teacher of sexual harassment was burned to death. The killing of 19-year-old Nusrat Jahan Rafi has sparked outrage across the South Asian nation of 165 million people and put police action in the case under the spotlight. Protesters in the capital Dhaka staged demonstrations for an 11th day on Sunday, seeking "exemplary punishment" for the killers of the girl. Police say she was lured to the rooftop of the Islamic seminary she attended in Feni, south of the capital, where her attackers ordered her to withdraw a police complaint against the head of the school. When she refused, she was doused in kerosene and set on fire. Rafi died in hospital on April 10 after suffering 80 per cent burns. At least 20 people, including the head teacher, have been arrested. Activists say the murder has exposed a "culture of impunity" surrounding sex crimes against women and children, and that fact that those who report harassment often suffer a backlash. Amid nationwide protests, the Bangladesh government has ordered more than 27,000 schools and colleges to form a five-member committee to prevent sexual violence, an official said. "The committee will be led by female teachers. They will take steps to prevent sexual harassment and take up any complaints," the director of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education, Shahedul Khabir Chowdhury, told AFP. He said the committees were being formed by an order from the country's high court, which in 2009 laid down a set of guidelines to prevent sexual harassment of women and children at workplaces, schools and on the streets. Rafi went to police in late March to report the harassment and a leaked video shows the local police station chief registering her complaint but dismissing it as "not a big deal". Police said at least five of those under arrest, including three of Rafi's classmates, tied her up with a scarf before setting her on fire. They had planned to pass off the death as a suicide. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has vowed that all those involved will face action and police say they are investigating why more was not done to protect Rafi. More than 100 protesters at the country's elite Dhaka University held hands to form a human chain as part of continued demonstrations over the grisly murder. "I joined the protest because Nusrat Rafi's murder was a wake-up call for all our women," Dhaka University student Antara Labiba told AFP. "I am also a victim of sexual harassment. I think most women in Bangladesh face sexual harassment in their families, schools, markets and workplaces," she said. The Manusher Jonno Foundation, a non-government group, says there have been at least 39 cases of children under 18 being raped in Bangladesh since April 2. Another eight have been subjected to sexual harassment, the group says.

Bangladesh puts anti-sexual harassment units in schools after girl's murder

A schoolgirl was burned to death in Bangladesh on the orders of her head teacher after she reported him for sexually harassing her, police said Friday.

The death of 19-year-old Nusrat Jahan Rafi last week sparked protests across the South Asian nation, with the prime minister promising to prosecute all those involved.

Rafi was lured to the rooftop of the Islamic seminary she attended where her attackers asked her to withdraw the sexual harassment complaint she had filed with police.

When she refused, she was doused in kerosene and set on fire.

Police said Friday that one of the 17 people arrested in connection with her death had accused the school's principal of ordering the attack.

The teacher "told them to put pressure on Rafi to withdraw the case or kill her if she refused", senior police superintendent Mohammad Iqbal, who is leading the investigation, told AFP.

Rafi had gone to the police in late March to report the sexual harassment, and a leaked video shows the local police station chief registering her complaint but dismissing it as "not a big deal".

Iqbal said at least five of those under arrest, including three of Rafi's classmates, had tied her up with a scarf before setting her on fire.

"The plan was to pass the incident off as a suicide. But it fell through after Rafi managed to come downstairs while on fire because the scarf burnt and freed her hands and feet," he said. &nbsp;

Rafi suffered burns to 80 per cent of her body and died in hospital on April 10.

But she recorded a video before her death, repeating her allegations against the principal.

"The teacher touched me, I will fight this crime till my last breath," she said. She also identified some of her attackers.

Rafi's brother Mahmudul Hasan Noman said people close to the principal had also put pressure on the family to withdraw the case against him.

"They told us that it was a conspiracy against him and that it was fabricated," he told AFP.

The case has caused outrage in Bangladesh, with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina vowing that "none of the culprits will be spared legal action."

Rights groups say the number of rape and sexual assault cases has increased in Bangladesh because authorities have failed to prosecute attackers.

"The horrifying murder of a brave woman who sought justice shows how badly the Bangladesh government has failed victims of sexual assault," Meenakshi Ganguly, South Asia director at Human Rights Watch, said in a statement.

"Nusrat Jahan Rafi's death highlights the need for the Bangladesh government to take survivors of sexual assault seriously and ensure that they can safely seek a legal remedy and be protected from retaliation," she added.

The local Manusher Jonno Foundation, a non-governmental group, says at least 39 children under the age of 18 have been raped in the country since April 2.

Another eight have been subjected to attempted or sexual harassment, the groups say.

A schoolgirl was burned to death in Bangladesh on the orders of her head teacher after she reported him for sexually harassing her, police said Friday. The death of 19-year-old Nusrat Jahan Rafi last week sparked protests across the South Asian nation, with the prime minister promising to prosecute all those involved.

A schoolgirl was burned to death in Bangladesh on the orders of her head teacher after she reported him for sexually harassing her, police said Friday. The death of 19-year-old Nusrat Jahan Rafi last week sparked protests across the South Asian nation, with the prime minister promising to prosecute all those involved. Rafi was lured to the rooftop of the Islamic seminary she attended where her attackers asked her to withdraw the sexual harassment complaint she had filed with police. When she refused, she was doused in kerosene and set on fire. Police said Friday that one of the 17 people arrested in connection with her death had accused the school's principal of ordering the attack. The teacher "told them to put pressure on Rafi to withdraw the case or kill her if she refused", senior police superintendent Mohammad Iqbal, who is leading the investigation, told AFP. Rafi had gone to the police in late March to report the sexual harassment, and a leaked video shows the local police station chief registering her complaint but dismissing it as "not a big deal". Iqbal said at least five of those under arrest, including three of Rafi's classmates, had tied her up with a scarf before setting her on fire. "The plan was to pass the incident off as a suicide. But it fell through after Rafi managed to come downstairs while on fire because the scarf burnt and freed her hands and feet," he said. Rafi suffered burns to 80 per cent of her body and died in hospital on April 10. But she recorded a video before her death, repeating her allegations against the principal. "The teacher touched me, I will fight this crime till my last breath," she said. She also identified some of her attackers. Rafi's brother Mahmudul Hasan Noman said people close to the principal had also put pressure on the family to withdraw the case against him. "They told us that it was a conspiracy against him and that it was fabricated," he told AFP. The case has caused outrage in Bangladesh, with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina vowing that "none of the culprits will be spared legal action." Rights groups say the number of rape and sexual assault cases has increased in Bangladesh because authorities have failed to prosecute attackers. "The horrifying murder of a brave woman who sought justice shows how badly the Bangladesh government has failed victims of sexual assault," Meenakshi Ganguly, South Asia director at Human Rights Watch, said in a statement. "Nusrat Jahan Rafi's death highlights the need for the Bangladesh government to take survivors of sexual assault seriously and ensure that they can safely seek a legal remedy and be protected from retaliation," she added. The local Manusher Jonno Foundation, a non-governmental group, says at least 39 children under the age of 18 have been raped in the country since April 2. Another eight have been subjected to attempted or sexual harassment, the groups say.

Bangladesh girl burned to death on teacher's order: Police

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/saudi-arabia-continues-to-stifle-women-dissent-201335">Saudi women activists</a> detained for almost a year offered their defence at an emotionally charged hearing on Wednesday, alleging torture and sexual harassment during interrogation, courtroom sources said.

Eleven women responded to charges that rights groups say include contact with international media and human rights groups, in the second hearing of a high-profile trial that foreign reporters and diplomats are barred from attending.

Some of them wept and consoled each other and their family members gathered before a three-judge panel in Riyadh's criminal court as they accused interrogators of subjecting them to electric shocks and flogging and groping them in detention, two people with access to the trial told AFP.

At least one of the detained women tried to commit suicide following her mistreatment, a close relative said.

The government, facing intense international scrutiny of its human rights record, denies the women were tortured or harassed.

The women, including prominent activist Loujain al-Hathloul, blogger Eman al-Nafjan and university professor Hatoon al-Fassi, were detained last summer in a sweeping crackdown on campaigners just before the historic lifting of a decades-long ban on female motorists.

The women had long campaigned for the right to drive and to abolish the restrictive guardianship system that gives male relatives arbitrary authority over women.

Their trial has intensified criticism of the kingdom over human rights following global outrage over journalist Jamal Khashoggi's murder by Saudi agents last October.

Loujain's brother and sister, based overseas, have alleged that Saud al-Qahtani, a top advisor to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman who was fired over Khashoggi's killing, oversaw the torture.

"The top adviser of the prince was threatening to rape my sister, kill her, cut her body into pieces," Walid al-Hathloul, Loujain's brother, told CNN.

"He's the one who should be in court today, not my sister."

Qahtani has not appeared in public since his sacking was announced.

Crackdown on dissent&nbsp; 
Some of the detained women have appealed for bail, with the judges expected to make a decision on Thursday, family members told AFP.&nbsp;

The trial is set to resume on April 3, they added. There was no immediate comment from the criminal court.

At the time of their arrest, officials accused the women of links to foreign intelligence agencies, while state-backed media branded them traitors and "agents of embassies".

The charge sheets, however, make no mention of contact with foreign spies, campaigners who have reviewed the documents say.

Some of the charges against the women fell under a section of the kingdom's sweeping cyber crime law, which carries prison sentences of up to five years.

Loujain asked the court for one month to respond to the charges saying she was not given enough time to prepare, Walid said. He added that his family had been stopped from taking written legal documents inside her prison cell.

It was not clear how the court responded to the request. &nbsp;

The detained women were initially expected to appear in a court set up to handle terrorism-related cases.

But trial was shifted to the criminal court at the last minute, without any explanation, after months of Western criticism.

That has triggered speculation the trial could pave the way for the women's release after the crackdown sparked international criticism against Prince Mohammed, the kingdom's de facto ruler.

Some detainees, including Loujain, were recently made to sign letters in prison requesting a royal pardon from King Salman, family members told AFP.

Western nations, including the European Union, the United States and Britain, appear to have stepped up pressure on the kingdom to release the activists.

Saudi women activists detained for almost a year offered their defence at an emotionally charged hearing on Wednesday, alleging torture and sexual harassment during interrogation, courtroom sources said.

Saudi women activists detained for almost a year offered their defence at an emotionally charged hearing on Wednesday, alleging torture and sexual harassment during interrogation, courtroom sources said. Eleven women responded to charges that rights groups say include contact with international media and human rights groups, in the second hearing of a high-profile trial that foreign reporters and diplomats are barred from attending. Some of them wept and consoled each other and their family members gathered before a three-judge panel in Riyadh's criminal court as they accused interrogators of subjecting them to electric shocks and flogging and groping them in detention, two people with access to the trial told AFP. At least one of the detained women tried to commit suicide following her mistreatment, a close relative said. The government, facing intense international scrutiny of its human rights record, denies the women were tortured or harassed. The women, including prominent activist Loujain al-Hathloul, blogger Eman al-Nafjan and university professor Hatoon al-Fassi, were detained last summer in a sweeping crackdown on campaigners just before the historic lifting of a decades-long ban on female motorists. The women had long campaigned for the right to drive and to abolish the restrictive guardianship system that gives male relatives arbitrary authority over women. Their trial has intensified criticism of the kingdom over human rights following global outrage over journalist Jamal Khashoggi's murder by Saudi agents last October. Loujain's brother and sister, based overseas, have alleged that Saud al-Qahtani, a top advisor to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman who was fired over Khashoggi's killing, oversaw the torture. "The top adviser of the prince was threatening to rape my sister, kill her, cut her body into pieces," Walid al-Hathloul, Loujain's brother, told CNN. "He's the one who should be in court today, not my sister." Qahtani has not appeared in public since his sacking was announced. Crackdown on dissent Some of the detained women have appealed for bail, with the judges expected to make a decision on Thursday, family members told AFP. The trial is set to resume on April 3, they added. There was no immediate comment from the criminal court. At the time of their arrest, officials accused the women of links to foreign intelligence agencies, while state-backed media branded them traitors and "agents of embassies". The charge sheets, however, make no mention of contact with foreign spies, campaigners who have reviewed the documents say. Some of the charges against the women fell under a section of the kingdom's sweeping cyber crime law, which carries prison sentences of up to five years. Loujain asked the court for one month to respond to the charges saying she was not given enough time to prepare, Walid said. He added that his family had been stopped from taking written legal documents inside her prison cell. It was not clear how the court responded to the request. The detained women were initially expected to appear in a court set up to handle terrorism-related cases. But trial was shifted to the criminal court at the last minute, without any explanation, after months of Western criticism. That has triggered speculation the trial could pave the way for the women's release after the crackdown sparked international criticism against Prince Mohammed, the kingdom's de facto ruler. Some detainees, including Loujain, were recently made to sign letters in prison requesting a royal pardon from King Salman, family members told AFP. Western nations, including the European Union, the United States and Britain, appear to have stepped up pressure on the kingdom to release the activists.

Saudi women activists say they were sexually abused, tortured while detained

Lloyd's of London has promised strong action over sexual harassment after the centuries-old insurance market faced damaging allegations from female staff.

New chief executive John Neal on Wednesday said Lloyd's was "determined to... tackle all forms of inappropriate behaviour with robust actions to create a more inclusive working environment".

Neal's comments, contained in a statement showing that Lloyd's halved pre-tax losses last year, came one day after it unveiled "a robust plan of action to address reports of sexual harassment in Lloyd's market and create a safe and inclusive working environment".

Bloomberg Businessweek last week reported on "a deep-seated culture of sexual misconduct" at Lloyd's after hearing the experiences of 18 women alleging sexual harassment -- and as the #MeToo movement against such misconduct continues to reverberate across the world.

In response, Lloyd's promised a series of measures, including the "provision of an independently managed, confidential and market-wide access point for reporting inappropriate behaviour".

It would also offer "training focused on prevention, as well as reporting and supporting those who have been subjected to inappropriate behaviour".

Neal on Tuesday said it had been "distressing to hear about the experiences of women in Lloyd's market".&nbsp;

"No one should be subjected to this sort of behaviour, and if it does happen, everyone has the right to be heard and for those responsible to be held to account," he added.

Neal's predecessor Inga Beale, Lloyd's first and only female CEO, had "met resistance at every step" in her attempts to turn around the "deeply backwards-looking" culture during her five years at the helm, according to Bloomberg.

'Ready for Brexit'&nbsp;

Elsewhere Wednesday, Lloyd's reported a pre-tax loss of £1 billion ($1.3 billion, 1.2 billion euros) for 2018 as the 333-year-old company paid out heavily on a series of natural disasters.

The group had posted a loss before tax of £2 billion in 2017 following a series of devastating hurricanes.

In 2018, "several large natural catastrophes, including hurricanes Florence and Michael, Typhoon Jebi in Japan, as well as the Californian wildfires" cost Lloyd's market £2.9 billion, it said in a statement.

Lloyd's latest annual loss comes as the company prepares for life after Brexit, with the opening of a Brussels subsidiary.

"Lloyd's is... ready for Brexit through its new Brussels subsidiary, which is fully operational and writing risks," it said Wednesday.&nbsp;

"This provides certainty for our customers in the European Economic Area (EEA) that they can continue to access Lloyd's insurance products, services and expertise." &nbsp;

Lloyd's of London has promised strong action over sexual harassment after the centuries-old insurance market faced damaging allegations from female staff. New chief executive John Neal on Wednesday said Lloyd's was "determined to.

Lloyd's of London has promised strong action over sexual harassment after the centuries-old insurance market faced damaging allegations from female staff. New chief executive John Neal on Wednesday said Lloyd's was "determined to... tackle all forms of inappropriate behaviour with robust actions to create a more inclusive working environment". Neal's comments, contained in a statement showing that Lloyd's halved pre-tax losses last year, came one day after it unveiled "a robust plan of action to address reports of sexual harassment in Lloyd's market and create a safe and inclusive working environment". Bloomberg Businessweek last week reported on "a deep-seated culture of sexual misconduct" at Lloyd's after hearing the experiences of 18 women alleging sexual harassment -- and as the #MeToo movement against such misconduct continues to reverberate across the world. In response, Lloyd's promised a series of measures, including the "provision of an independently managed, confidential and market-wide access point for reporting inappropriate behaviour". It would also offer "training focused on prevention, as well as reporting and supporting those who have been subjected to inappropriate behaviour". Neal on Tuesday said it had been "distressing to hear about the experiences of women in Lloyd's market". "No one should be subjected to this sort of behaviour, and if it does happen, everyone has the right to be heard and for those responsible to be held to account," he added. Neal's predecessor Inga Beale, Lloyd's first and only female CEO, had "met resistance at every step" in her attempts to turn around the "deeply backwards-looking" culture during her five years at the helm, according to Bloomberg. 'Ready for Brexit' Elsewhere Wednesday, Lloyd's reported a pre-tax loss of £1 billion ($1.3 billion, 1.2 billion euros) for 2018 as the 333-year-old company paid out heavily on a series of natural disasters. The group had posted a loss before tax of £2 billion in 2017 following a series of devastating hurricanes. In 2018, "several large natural catastrophes, including hurricanes Florence and Michael, Typhoon Jebi in Japan, as well as the Californian wildfires" cost Lloyd's market £2.9 billion, it said in a statement. Lloyd's latest annual loss comes as the company prepares for life after Brexit, with the opening of a Brussels subsidiary. "Lloyd's is... ready for Brexit through its new Brussels subsidiary, which is fully operational and writing risks," it said Wednesday. "This provides certainty for our customers in the European Economic Area (EEA) that they can continue to access Lloyd's insurance products, services and expertise."

Lloyd's of London vows to tackle sexual harassment

In a major setback for Mohammed Shami, the Kolkata police Thursday charged the Indian pacer under IPC 498A and 354A for alleged dowry harassment and sexual harassment respectively.

After this charge sheet, Shami's World Cup campaign could be in jeopardy as the next hearing of the case has been kept on June 22, while the ICC tournament starts from May 30.

The charge sheet was filed after Shami’s estranged wife Hasin Jahan accused him of domestic violence.&nbsp;

On March 8, 2018 Jahan lodged a complaint against her husband and his elder brother Hasib Ahmad. Allegations of threat, infidelity and dowry demand were levelled against the cricketer, which the cricketer denied.&nbsp;

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A chargesheet has been filed against cricketer Mohammed Shami. He has been charged under IPC 498A (dowry harassment) and 354A (sexual harrasment). 
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The two got married on April 7, 2014, about two years after they met at a Kolkata Knight Riders party. They have a three-and-a-half-year-old daughter.

Shami was also subjected to a probe by the anti-corruption unit of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after his wife accused him of receiving money from a Pakistani woman on the insistence of an England-based businessman, Mohammad Bhai.&nbsp;

However, the BCCI cleared him of the charges.

In a major setback for Mohammed Shami, the Kolkata police Thursday charged the Indian pacer under IPC 498A and 354A for alleged dowry harassment and sexual harassment respectively.

In a major setback for Mohammed Shami, the Kolkata police Thursday charged the Indian pacer under IPC 498A and 354A for alleged dowry harassment and sexual harassment respectively. After this charge sheet, Shami's World Cup campaign could be in jeopardy as the next hearing of the case has been kept on June 22, while the ICC tournament starts from May 30. The charge sheet was filed after Shami’s estranged wife Hasin Jahan accused him of domestic violence. On March 8, 2018 Jahan lodged a complaint against her husband and his elder brother Hasib Ahmad. Allegations of threat, infidelity and dowry demand were levelled against the cricketer, which the cricketer denied. A chargesheet has been filed against cricketer Mohammed Shami. He has been charged under IPC 498A (dowry harassment) and 354A (sexual harrasment). (file pic) pic.twitter.com/6o6sBbtqY8 — ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2019 × The two got married on April 7, 2014, about two years after they met at a Kolkata Knight Riders party. They have a three-and-a-half-year-old daughter. Shami was also subjected to a probe by the anti-corruption unit of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after his wife accused him of receiving money from a Pakistani woman on the insistence of an England-based businessman, Mohammad Bhai. However, the BCCI cleared him of the charges.

Indian pacer Mohammed Shami charged by Kolkata police for alleged dowry, sexual harassment

Tech titan <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/google-plans-to-ban-political-ads-before-canada-election-201213">Google</a> agreed to pay its former India-born top executive Amit Singhal a whopping $45 million as an exit package when he resigned from the company in 2016 after being accused of sexual harassment, according to a media report.

The previously undisclosed amount was in the separation agreement for Singhal, a senior vice president who ran <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/google-ceo-faces-house-grilling-on-breach-china-censorship-183237">Google's search</a> operations until early 2016.

The amount was revealed on Monday in a shareholder lawsuit accusing the board of directors of Alphabet, the parent company of Google, of shirking their responsibilities by agreeing to pay executives accused of misconduct instead of firing them for cause, the New York Times reported.

The lawsuit was part of the fallout over how Google has handled sexual harassment cases, it said.

The lawsuit was filed in January in California Superior Court with redactions in the passages referring to board discussions. An amended version was filed on Monday without the redactions.

According to the amended suit, Google agreed to pay Singhal $15 million a year for two years and between $5 million and $15 million in the third year as long as he was not employed by a competitor.

He agreed to take a job at Uber about a year after his departure, then resigned from the ride-hailing company a few weeks later when the sexual harassment claim at Google became public, the report said.

Frank Bottini, an attorney for the shareholders, said the board-approved payments were an "abdication of responsibility".

A Google spokeswoman said Monday that the company had "made many changes to our workplace and taken an increasingly hard line on inappropriate conduct by people in positions of authority".

"There are serious consequences for anyone who behaves inappropriately at Google," she said.

Singhal left Google after an employee said he had groped her at an off-site event.

Google investigated the allegation and found that Singhal had been inebriated.

The company also concluded that the employee's account was credible. At the time, Singhal said he wanted to spend more time with his family and focus on his philanthropy, the report said.

Singhal did not respond to a request for comment, it said.

Born in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, Singhal received a Bachelor of Engineering degree in computer science from IIT Roorkee. He received an MS degree from the University of Minnesota Duluth and was head of Google's core search team for 15 years.

Tech titan Google agreed to pay its former India-born top executive Amit Singhal a whopping $45 million as an exit package when he resigned from the company in 2016 after being accused of sexual harassment, according to a media report.

Tech titan Google agreed to pay its former India-born top executive Amit Singhal a whopping $45 million as an exit package when he resigned from the company in 2016 after being accused of sexual harassment, according to a media report. The previously undisclosed amount was in the separation agreement for Singhal, a senior vice president who ran Google's search operations until early 2016. The amount was revealed on Monday in a shareholder lawsuit accusing the board of directors of Alphabet, the parent company of Google, of shirking their responsibilities by agreeing to pay executives accused of misconduct instead of firing them for cause, the New York Times reported. The lawsuit was part of the fallout over how Google has handled sexual harassment cases, it said. The lawsuit was filed in January in California Superior Court with redactions in the passages referring to board discussions. An amended version was filed on Monday without the redactions. According to the amended suit, Google agreed to pay Singhal $15 million a year for two years and between $5 million and $15 million in the third year as long as he was not employed by a competitor. He agreed to take a job at Uber about a year after his departure, then resigned from the ride-hailing company a few weeks later when the sexual harassment claim at Google became public, the report said. Frank Bottini, an attorney for the shareholders, said the board-approved payments were an "abdication of responsibility". A Google spokeswoman said Monday that the company had "made many changes to our workplace and taken an increasingly hard line on inappropriate conduct by people in positions of authority". "There are serious consequences for anyone who behaves inappropriately at Google," she said. Singhal left Google after an employee said he had groped her at an off-site event. Google investigated the allegation and found that Singhal had been inebriated. The company also concluded that the employee's account was credible. At the time, Singhal said he wanted to spend more time with his family and focus on his philanthropy, the report said. Singhal did not respond to a request for comment, it said. Born in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, Singhal received a Bachelor of Engineering degree in computer science from IIT Roorkee. He received an MS degree from the University of Minnesota Duluth and was head of Google's core search team for 15 years.

Google paid former executive Amit Singhal $45 million exit package after sexual harassment claim

Thousands of people took to the streets of Brazil's largest cities on Friday to mark International Women's Day and denounce gender violence and sexual discrimination.

Brazil has the fifth highest rate of femicide in the world, and last year elected right-wing president Jair Bolsonaro, who has repeatedly used rhetoric widely seen as sexist and racist.

A wave of protesters clad in purple called for an end to gender-based violence, equal pay, and abortion rights. There were also loud calls and chants for increased female solidarity among the demonstrators, most of whom were women.&nbsp;

In the last year in Brazil, more than 16 million women above the age of 16 faced some kind of violence and of them, 536 were victims of physical aggression every hour, according to a study released in February by the Brazilian Forum of Public Security and the Datafolha research center.

Many demonstrators carried banners and wore shirts paying tribute to Brazilian councilwoman and activist Marielle Franco, who was assassinated almost a year ago in the heart of Rio de Janeiro, a crime that remains unsolved. Franco was a vocal defender of human rights and critic of police brutality in Brazil.

Demonstrators also carried a bust of Franco as well as one of Mexican painter, Frida Kahlo, another icon of feminism in Latin America.&nbsp;

The black feminist movement was also strongly represented at the rally in Rio.&nbsp;

One of the protesters, Silvia de Mendoza, told EFE that she had joined the protest to "claim her right to fight against fascism and for the life and rights of women".&nbsp;

While it was a primarily feminist march, there was also a strong anti-fascist sentiment, with chants against the current president Bolsonaro heard throughout, as well as clear support for former left-wing president Lula Da Silva, who was jailed last year on corruption charges.

In Sao Paulo, Brazil's largest city, the demonstrations to commemorate International Women's Day started around 6:30 pm in front of the iconic art museum in the city (MAFF), where slogans were chanted against President Jair Bolsonaro, pension reform and violence against women.

More than 11,000 Brazilian women have filed the report of violence to police in the first two months of this year, a 19.9 percent increase compared to the same period last year, the government said Friday.

Thousands of people took to the streets of Brazil's largest cities on Friday to mark International Women's Day and denounce gender violence and sexual discrimination.

Thousands of people took to the streets of Brazil's largest cities on Friday to mark International Women's Day and denounce gender violence and sexual discrimination. Brazil has the fifth highest rate of femicide in the world, and last year elected right-wing president Jair Bolsonaro, who has repeatedly used rhetoric widely seen as sexist and racist. A wave of protesters clad in purple called for an end to gender-based violence, equal pay, and abortion rights. There were also loud calls and chants for increased female solidarity among the demonstrators, most of whom were women. In the last year in Brazil, more than 16 million women above the age of 16 faced some kind of violence and of them, 536 were victims of physical aggression every hour, according to a study released in February by the Brazilian Forum of Public Security and the Datafolha research center. Many demonstrators carried banners and wore shirts paying tribute to Brazilian councilwoman and activist Marielle Franco, who was assassinated almost a year ago in the heart of Rio de Janeiro, a crime that remains unsolved. Franco was a vocal defender of human rights and critic of police brutality in Brazil. Demonstrators also carried a bust of Franco as well as one of Mexican painter, Frida Kahlo, another icon of feminism in Latin America. The black feminist movement was also strongly represented at the rally in Rio. One of the protesters, Silvia de Mendoza, told EFE that she had joined the protest to "claim her right to fight against fascism and for the life and rights of women". While it was a primarily feminist march, there was also a strong anti-fascist sentiment, with chants against the current president Bolsonaro heard throughout, as well as clear support for former left-wing president Lula Da Silva, who was jailed last year on corruption charges. In Sao Paulo, Brazil's largest city, the demonstrations to commemorate International Women's Day started around 6:30 pm in front of the iconic art museum in the city (MAFF), where slogans were chanted against President Jair Bolsonaro, pension reform and violence against women. More than 11,000 Brazilian women have filed the report of violence to police in the first two months of this year, a 19.9 percent increase compared to the same period last year, the government said Friday.

Thousands march in Brazil for women's rights, against Brazilian government

What the judgment of the Supreme Court in Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan (1997) did not do; what even the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (“Act”) did not do; the #MeToo movement has done – which is to wake up every corporate entity in India to take sexual harassment as a serious malady and not merely a thorn in its side.

The recent spurt of awareness programmes at workplaces; hasty formulation of complaints processes; hushed but expedited setting up of Internal Complaints Committee (“ICC”), are all welcome momentum in the inertia-ridden corporate world.

Not surprisingly, the natural knee-jerk reaction to anything disruptive and the consequent overreach have also already reared its head. Many a corporate romance does end up in a lifelong relationship and even if they don’t, it is still a consensual relationship between adults who may decide the course of such events. A query at a recent panel discussion on #MeToo and corporate romances highlighted the fear factor that now permeates corporates and male colleagues alike.

The larger threat to women appears to be the possibility of employers shunning them, as a risk element in workplaces or worse mollycoddling women employees in their fear of any “stigma” impacting the corporate entity. Equally unfortunate that many companies appear to have resorted to play it safe than be sorry by “banning” romances or at least subjecting them to monitoring. Apart from policies mandating disclosure of personal relationships amounting to blatant violation of privacy, it also brings in the “chilling effect” at workplaces.

Knowing the Laxman Rekha for sexual harassment is expedient to avoid such excessive or regressive actions.

Sexual harassment in the eyes of law: The Act sets out an inclusive definition for sexual harassment but the Criminal provisions under S.354A Indian Penal Code is limited to specific actions. Of these, unwelcome physical contact and advances, explicit sexual overtures, demand or request for sexual favours and showing pornography against the will of a woman carry a more stringent punishment of three years, as opposed to making sexually coloured remarks, which is punishable with one year imprisonment.

In addition, a person in a fiduciary relationship abusing his authority to induce or seduce a woman in his custody or charge or even present in the premises to have sexual intercourse, which may not amount to rape is also an offence punishable under S.376C IPC with six years imprisonment.

Against this, the Sexual Harassment Act provides an open-ended inclusive definition. Implied or explicit promises of preferential treatment or threat of detrimental treatment including in present or future, in employment; interference with her work; creating an intimidating, offensive or hostile work environment; humiliating treatment likely to affect her health or safety are all acts amounting to sexual harassment under the Act.

Corporate policies for internal penal actions may, therefore, be more stringent than those under IPC for initiation of criminal prosecution. These, however, would have to be explicitly set out in the human resources policies to support such initiation of action. Any corporate action against culprits would have to be preceded by an inquiry by ICC.

Women — not just employees — protected: Corporate policies need to take into account that it is not just women employees but “any woman” present at a “workplace” who is protected under the Act. The Act is gender-specific to “women”, as victims but is gender neutral with respect to the perpetrator, i.e., complaint against a woman may be entertained for commission of sexual harassment against another woman, subject however to other provisions being applicable.

Workplace &amp; The Act: In today’s hyper-connected world every place in effect would become a workplace. The Sexual Harassment Act itself expands the workplace not just to the office premises but also to places visited by employees in the course of employment including transportation provided by the employer. It would therefore include even online workspaces.

Purpose &amp; its implementation: With the application of the Sexual Harassment Act extending to any woman present in a “workplace”, enforcing excessive or possibly restrictive protections to women employees is clearly misplaced. Similarly, placing employees in different hotels or mandating travel by co-workers on different vehicles reeks of segregation processes in schools and colleges. If not anything else it certainly demonstrates abject lack of trust. Most significantly, none of these actions, including restraining or restricting office romances or travels together or other regressive processes is likely to protect against commission of an act of sexual harassment. 
 
Short of restricting all forms of communication between the two genders, which clearly is not just impractical but impossible, there is no way for corporates to create Chinese walls to protect against complaints of sexual harassment – for a man may commit an offence against a woman employee (yes the law is gender specific) or against a non-employee. If the act is committed at a “workplace”, which could even be a coffee shop where a meeting is being held or even during a conference call, the ICC of the entity is required to entertain the complaint.

It is imperative for corporates to understand that the law is not “against” them. Nor is it intended to become yet another restrictive and regressive step for women. It is intended as a facilitator for women to freely venture out and be part of the workforce. The law is for and about women. Experience has taught us that any attempt at keeping statistics “clean" will only defeat the purpose behind an enactment.

Registration of a complaint with the ICC is not a blot on a corporate entity or a stigma. On the contrary, it reflects the robustness of its sexual harassment policies and implementation. It is not important to protect adults against each other especially against their natural urges or choices. The decisions of the Supreme Court from the Privacy judgment to the recent strike down of adultery as a Criminal offence demonstrate the need to protect an adult’s consensual choice. 
 
The need of the hour for companies is to, therefore, put in place effective processes for undertaking complaints of sexual harassment boldly and transparently and to ensure speedy and just disposals. The measure of a company’s worth or safe workplace may probably now depend not on a “clean slate” with no complaints registered but of effective, speedy and conscientious handling of sexual harassment complaints, which is a more plausible measure. 
 
(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-metoo-for-corporate-world-2686760">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

What the judgment of the Supreme Court in Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan (1997) did not do; what even the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (“Act”) did not do; the #MeToo movement has done – which is to wake up every corporate entity in India to take sexual harassment as a serious malady and not merely a thorn in its side.

What the judgment of the Supreme Court in Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan (1997) did not do; what even the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (“Act”) did not do; the #MeToo movement has done – which is to wake up every corporate entity in India to take sexual harassment as a serious malady and not merely a thorn in its side. The recent spurt of awareness programmes at workplaces; hasty formulation of complaints processes; hushed but expedited setting up of Internal Complaints Committee (“ICC”), are all welcome momentum in the inertia-ridden corporate world. Not surprisingly, the natural knee-jerk reaction to anything disruptive and the consequent overreach have also already reared its head. Many a corporate romance does end up in a lifelong relationship and even if they don’t, it is still a consensual relationship between adults who may decide the course of such events. A query at a recent panel discussion on #MeToo and corporate romances highlighted the fear factor that now permeates corporates and male colleagues alike. The larger threat to women appears to be the possibility of employers shunning them, as a risk element in workplaces or worse mollycoddling women employees in their fear of any “stigma” impacting the corporate entity. Equally unfortunate that many companies appear to have resorted to play it safe than be sorry by “banning” romances or at least subjecting them to monitoring. Apart from policies mandating disclosure of personal relationships amounting to blatant violation of privacy, it also brings in the “chilling effect” at workplaces. Knowing the Laxman Rekha for sexual harassment is expedient to avoid such excessive or regressive actions. Sexual harassment in the eyes of law: The Act sets out an inclusive definition for sexual harassment but the Criminal provisions under S.354A Indian Penal Code is limited to specific actions. Of these, unwelcome physical contact and advances, explicit sexual overtures, demand or request for sexual favours and showing pornography against the will of a woman carry a more stringent punishment of three years, as opposed to making sexually coloured remarks, which is punishable with one year imprisonment. In addition, a person in a fiduciary relationship abusing his authority to induce or seduce a woman in his custody or charge or even present in the premises to have sexual intercourse, which may not amount to rape is also an offence punishable under S.376C IPC with six years imprisonment. Against this, the Sexual Harassment Act provides an open-ended inclusive definition. Implied or explicit promises of preferential treatment or threat of detrimental treatment including in present or future, in employment; interference with her work; creating an intimidating, offensive or hostile work environment; humiliating treatment likely to affect her health or safety are all acts amounting to sexual harassment under the Act. Corporate policies for internal penal actions may, therefore, be more stringent than those under IPC for initiation of criminal prosecution. These, however, would have to be explicitly set out in the human resources policies to support such initiation of action. Any corporate action against culprits would have to be preceded by an inquiry by ICC. Women — not just employees — protected: Corporate policies need to take into account that it is not just women employees but “any woman” present at a “workplace” who is protected under the Act. The Act is gender-specific to “women”, as victims but is gender neutral with respect to the perpetrator, i.e., complaint against a woman may be entertained for commission of sexual harassment against another woman, subject however to other provisions being applicable. Workplace & The Act: In today’s hyper-connected world every place in effect would become a workplace. The Sexual Harassment Act itself expands the workplace not just to the office premises but also to places visited by employees in the course of employment including transportation provided by the employer. It would therefore include even online workspaces. Purpose & its implementation: With the application of the Sexual Harassment Act extending to any woman present in a “workplace”, enforcing excessive or possibly restrictive protections to women employees is clearly misplaced. Similarly, placing employees in different hotels or mandating travel by co-workers on different vehicles reeks of segregation processes in schools and colleges. If not anything else it certainly demonstrates abject lack of trust. Most significantly, none of these actions, including restraining or restricting office romances or travels together or other regressive processes is likely to protect against commission of an act of sexual harassment. Short of restricting all forms of communication between the two genders, which clearly is not just impractical but impossible, there is no way for corporates to create Chinese walls to protect against complaints of sexual harassment – for a man may commit an offence against a woman employee (yes the law is gender specific) or against a non-employee. If the act is committed at a “workplace”, which could even be a coffee shop where a meeting is being held or even during a conference call, the ICC of the entity is required to entertain the complaint. It is imperative for corporates to understand that the law is not “against” them. Nor is it intended to become yet another restrictive and regressive step for women. It is intended as a facilitator for women to freely venture out and be part of the workforce. The law is for and about women. Experience has taught us that any attempt at keeping statistics “clean" will only defeat the purpose behind an enactment. Registration of a complaint with the ICC is not a blot on a corporate entity or a stigma. On the contrary, it reflects the robustness of its sexual harassment policies and implementation. It is not important to protect adults against each other especially against their natural urges or choices. The decisions of the Supreme Court from the Privacy judgment to the recent strike down of adultery as a Criminal offence demonstrate the need to protect an adult’s consensual choice. The need of the hour for companies is to, therefore, put in place effective processes for undertaking complaints of sexual harassment boldly and transparently and to ensure speedy and just disposals. The measure of a company’s worth or safe workplace may probably now depend not on a “clean slate” with no complaints registered but of effective, speedy and conscientious handling of sexual harassment complaints, which is a more plausible measure. (This article was originally published on DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

How #MeToo movement has impacted corporate world

Management guru and now an author, Stuart Drew, has said that there is no place for discrimination of any sort in business let alone abuse, and in an ideal world the #MeToo movement should be unnecessary. 
&nbsp; 
"It is an indictment on corporate governance over many years that such movements needed to be created. Basically companies need to become absolutely dedicated to creating a corporate culture based on only one thing, a transparent meritocracy. The #MeToo movement is only one example of bias based harassment in the workplace," Drew tells exclusively to WION. 
&nbsp; 
No one would want to work at a place where toxic masculinity exists, he further adds. 
&nbsp; 
Drew, who has vast managerial experience, says the work environment today tests managers on new parametres and they are often faced with issues that burden them and limit their performance. 
&nbsp; 
"Businesses today require managers to prove themselves on a regular basis. This differs from past times where jobs were long term or for life. Also, team members are now much more demanding and are prepared to challenge the status quo and are no longer willing to put up with poor management. They want to be recognised as making a difference or will move on," he says. 
&nbsp; 
Drew has decades of experience in managing teams and has now forayed into launching a dotcom start-up. He has been a chairman of a private members club and chairman of a European trade association. 
&nbsp; 
"In any competitive market, the surprising thing is how similar companies' offerings are, and not how different they are. Furthermore in most high value procurements, external advisors are employed to use their procurement processes to ensure bids are able to do the job fairly evaluated and that the eventual winner provides best value for money. They seek to create 'a level playing field'. The question therefore is: If several bids are similar, how does a bidder expect to win more than a fair share of business?" he says. 
&nbsp; 
The answer, he says, lies in deploying a strategy that focuses on your bid being Differentiated, Innovative and Disruptive - an approach popularly known as DID. 
&nbsp; 
Drew explains, "Some examples for differentiation are creating a Customer Value Portal where value in excess of contractual commitments can be measured and signed off by the customer. I personally gave spoof cheques to customers with the value of signed off benefits. These frequently were in the millions of dollars. Creating a Customer Experience Room that brings to life the elements of your proposal. By demonstrating a complete understanding of the customer needs and objectives, through face to face discussions with no PowerPoint presentations, helped customers appreciate the individual nature of the proposal. This allows the customer to fully engage in debate on delivering best value for money. In the vast majority of cases this included the customer evaluation team lunching with the junior delivery team with no managers present. This unfailingly showed the customer team the depth and quality of the people, even juniors, delivering the proposed solution. 
&nbsp; 
"For innovation, the customer team was invited to engage in a betting game that was used to verify customer alignment around what benefits they were seeking from the proposed solution. This invariably led to a debate among the customer evaluation team on the priority of benefits. The last 'D' is Disruptive. This might seem strange as disruption is not always seen as a good thing. However in competitive markets it is the disrupters that generally produce superior performance. I contend that spending time on how your company can be a disruptive business partner will pay handsome dividends." 
&nbsp; 
He also stresses the need to understand 'cultural dynamics'. Having worked across global cultures and industries, Drew understands the need to be open to learn about different cultures, both in business and in life. "We live in a multi-cultural society where global travel is affordable for many people. Social media is the catalyst for international connections that were unavailable to previous generations. It is our duty to be open to learning about different cultures both in business and in life. Ignorance too often results in laughable outcomes, parodied by comedians or worse yet triggering international incidents," says Drew. 
&nbsp; 
"Making the effort to understand different cultures and, perhaps more importantly, to understand one’s own culture in the context of other cultures represent ‘table stakes’ for managers today. The word ‘yes’ can be used to illustrate cultural difference. In the USA ‘yes’ is most often assumed as ‘it will be done’. In the UK, it can mean ‘I understand’. In India there is a to and fro sideways head movement for ‘yes’ and a more vigorous movement for ‘very yes’. In other countries ‘yes’ can mean ‘I hear you’ or ‘that sounds reasonable’. Even this one simple word can be the cause of immense frustration," he further adds.

For measuring successful leadership, Drew formulated and introduced the Personal Share Price (PSP) model. "This is a concept that I created to better understand my own value to the business. The concept understands that success and influence are dynamic and can vary in the short term. The expression ‘you are as good as your last performance’ captures that idea. I propose there are three components that combined create a PSP, namely behaviour, presence and performance. These three elements work together to deliver superior value to the business," he says explaining the concept. 
&nbsp; 
During his tenure in India, Drew grew increasingly fond of jugaad (a Hindi term which means overcoming harsh constraints by improvising and effective solution using limited resources) and believes that it is crucial for the survival of start-ups. 
&nbsp; 
"In part of my career I was CEO of a dotcom business start up. I would argue that subconsciously most start up companies will only survive if they use jugaad techniques. For example building a solution based on software services to address a market need can be done from ‘a garage’. However to scale-up the solution takes investment that may be hard to obtain. As a given solution becomes successful, managing the balance of limited financial resources between investment and development becomes a key capability. Building the infrastructure ahead of demand can lead to bankruptcy. Building it after demand will lead to customer dissatisfaction. So using scarce resources to optimise performance requires, in my opinion, a jugaad mindset. This was the idea developed in the Harvard Business Review 2010 publication encouraging businesses in the USA to use the jugaad concept to do more for less," says Drew. 
&nbsp; 
Drew has come out with a book called 'The Liberated Manager' which shares his experiences of delivering differentiated and sustained performance over many years as a manager through releasing the hidden and potent potential in the teams under my management. The book covers how managers can liberate themselves from concerns including, having to have all the answers to team issues, liberation from risky hiring, liberation from worrying too much and negativity, liberation from one's own cultural heritage, liberation from coming second or worse too often in sales.

Management guru and now an author, Stuart Drew, has said that there is no place for discrimination of any sort in business let alone abuse, and in an ideal world the #MeToo movement should be unnecessary.

Management guru and now an author, Stuart Drew, has said that there is no place for discrimination of any sort in business let alone abuse, and in an ideal world the #MeToo movement should be unnecessary. "It is an indictment on corporate governance over many years that such movements needed to be created. Basically companies need to become absolutely dedicated to creating a corporate culture based on only one thing, a transparent meritocracy. The #MeToo movement is only one example of bias based harassment in the workplace," Drew tells exclusively to WION. No one would want to work at a place where toxic masculinity exists, he further adds. Drew, who has vast managerial experience, says the work environment today tests managers on new parametres and they are often faced with issues that burden them and limit their performance. "Businesses today require managers to prove themselves on a regular basis. This differs from past times where jobs were long term or for life. Also, team members are now much more demanding and are prepared to challenge the status quo and are no longer willing to put up with poor management. They want to be recognised as making a difference or will move on," he says. Drew has decades of experience in managing teams and has now forayed into launching a dotcom start-up. He has been a chairman of a private members club and chairman of a European trade association. "In any competitive market, the surprising thing is how similar companies' offerings are, and not how different they are. Furthermore in most high value procurements, external advisors are employed to use their procurement processes to ensure bids are able to do the job fairly evaluated and that the eventual winner provides best value for money. They seek to create 'a level playing field'. The question therefore is: If several bids are similar, how does a bidder expect to win more than a fair share of business?" he says. The answer, he says, lies in deploying a strategy that focuses on your bid being Differentiated, Innovative and Disruptive - an approach popularly known as DID. Drew explains, "Some examples for differentiation are creating a Customer Value Portal where value in excess of contractual commitments can be measured and signed off by the customer. I personally gave spoof cheques to customers with the value of signed off benefits. These frequently were in the millions of dollars. Creating a Customer Experience Room that brings to life the elements of your proposal. By demonstrating a complete understanding of the customer needs and objectives, through face to face discussions with no PowerPoint presentations, helped customers appreciate the individual nature of the proposal. This allows the customer to fully engage in debate on delivering best value for money. In the vast majority of cases this included the customer evaluation team lunching with the junior delivery team with no managers present. This unfailingly showed the customer team the depth and quality of the people, even juniors, delivering the proposed solution. "For innovation, the customer team was invited to engage in a betting game that was used to verify customer alignment around what benefits they were seeking from the proposed solution. This invariably led to a debate among the customer evaluation team on the priority of benefits. The last 'D' is Disruptive. This might seem strange as disruption is not always seen as a good thing. However in competitive markets it is the disrupters that generally produce superior performance. I contend that spending time on how your company can be a disruptive business partner will pay handsome dividends." He also stresses the need to understand 'cultural dynamics'. Having worked across global cultures and industries, Drew understands the need to be open to learn about different cultures, both in business and in life. "We live in a multi-cultural society where global travel is affordable for many people. Social media is the catalyst for international connections that were unavailable to previous generations. It is our duty to be open to learning about different cultures both in business and in life. Ignorance too often results in laughable outcomes, parodied by comedians or worse yet triggering international incidents," says Drew. "Making the effort to understand different cultures and, perhaps more importantly, to understand one’s own culture in the context of other cultures represent ‘table stakes’ for managers today. The word ‘yes’ can be used to illustrate cultural difference. In the USA ‘yes’ is most often assumed as ‘it will be done’. In the UK, it can mean ‘I understand’. In India there is a to and fro sideways head movement for ‘yes’ and a more vigorous movement for ‘very yes’. In other countries ‘yes’ can mean ‘I hear you’ or ‘that sounds reasonable’. Even this one simple word can be the cause of immense frustration," he further adds. For measuring successful leadership, Drew formulated and introduced the Personal Share Price (PSP) model. "This is a concept that I created to better understand my own value to the business. The concept understands that success and influence are dynamic and can vary in the short term. The expression ‘you are as good as your last performance’ captures that idea. I propose there are three components that combined create a PSP, namely behaviour, presence and performance. These three elements work together to deliver superior value to the business," he says explaining the concept. During his tenure in India, Drew grew increasingly fond of jugaad (a Hindi term which means overcoming harsh constraints by improvising and effective solution using limited resources) and believes that it is crucial for the survival of start-ups. "In part of my career I was CEO of a dotcom business start up. I would argue that subconsciously most start up companies will only survive if they use jugaad techniques. For example building a solution based on software services to address a market need can be done from ‘a garage’. However to scale-up the solution takes investment that may be hard to obtain. As a given solution becomes successful, managing the balance of limited financial resources between investment and development becomes a key capability. Building the infrastructure ahead of demand can lead to bankruptcy. Building it after demand will lead to customer dissatisfaction. So using scarce resources to optimise performance requires, in my opinion, a jugaad mindset. This was the idea developed in the Harvard Business Review 2010 publication encouraging businesses in the USA to use the jugaad concept to do more for less," says Drew. Drew has come out with a book called 'The Liberated Manager' which shares his experiences of delivering differentiated and sustained performance over many years as a manager through releasing the hidden and potent potential in the teams under my management. The book covers how managers can liberate themselves from concerns including, having to have all the answers to team issues, liberation from risky hiring, liberation from worrying too much and negativity, liberation from one's own cultural heritage, liberation from coming second or worse too often in sales.

#MeToo an indictment on corporate governance: Author Stuart Drew to WION

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/googles-sundar-pichai-says-48-employees-were-fired-for-sexual-harassment-173488">Google CEO Sundar Pichai </a>has promised changes to the tech giant's sexual harassment policies, a week after thousands of its employees across the world, including in India, walked out in protest against the company reportedly shielding some top executives accused of sexual misconduct.

In a memo to employees on Thursday, the Indian-origin CEO said, "We recognise that we have not always gotten everything right in the past and we are sincerely sorry for that. It's clear we need to make some changes."&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/less-booze-improving-diversity-google-outlines-steps-to-tackle-workplace-harassment-176336">Also read: Less booze, improving diversity: Google outlines steps to tackle workplace harassment</a>

"This is an area where we need to continually make progress and are committed to doing so," Pichai said while detailing the comprehensive action plan to address the demands of the Google employees.

"We will provide more transparency on how we handle concerns. We'll give better support and care to the people who raise them. And we will double down on our commitment to be a representative, equitable, and respectful workplace," he assured the employees.

More than 20,000 Google employees across the world walked out of their offices last Thursday following a bombshell New York Times report that detailed how the company has shielded and gave multimillion-dollar severance packages for senior executives accused of sexual misconduct, with organisers of the protest demanding concrete changes like a new system for reporting abuse and an employee representative on the company's board.

Some 150 Google employees participated in the walkout in India. The employees were from Hyderabad, Gurgaon and Mumbai offices. 
Google leadership also held a town-hall style meeting with employees following the publication of Pichai's memo on Thursday, the CNBC reported.

While the policy changes Pichai outlined met many of the protesters' requirements, they do not include adding an employee representative to Alphabet's board or elevating the chief diversity officer to report directly to the CEO, it said.

Google's plan includes providing more transparency around sexual harassment investigations and outcomes as part of its annual "Investigations Report," revamping its reporting channels for incidents of misconduct, updating and expanding its sexual harassment training and making arbitration optional for sexual harassment claims.

Organisers of the protests had specifically demanded Google put an end to its policy of forced arbitration for sexual misconduct allegations a practice that prevents employees from taking cases to court and is generally criticised for suppressing victims' stories.&nbsp;

Pichai's memo says that while Google "never required confidentiality," employees with harassment or assault claims can now choose whether or not to go through the arbitration process.

Organisers of Google's protests were also deliberate about including contract workers in their original demands. Google said in an additional document detailing changes that it will routinely review contractor and temp worker suppliers to see if they adhere to agreements around the handling of employee complaints.&nbsp;

However, the Tech Workers Coalition, which launched a retaliation hotline for Google employees who participated in last week's protest, says that the new policies don't do enough to protect those temp, vendor and contract workers (TVCs), the report said.

"TVCs didn't receive this email this morning, and have been excluded from the town-hall," a spokesperson said. "This deliberate slight demonstrates the caste-like system deployed by Google, which fails to protect its workers and our colleagues."

The protest's organisers also released a statement saying that while Google made progress towards addressing their demands, they would "not let up" until all of them were met.

"We demand a truly equitable culture, and Google leadership can achieve this by putting employee representation on the board and giving full rights and protections to contract workers, our most vulnerable workers, many of whom are Black and Brown women," CNBC quoted Google employee Stephanie Parker as saying in that statement.&nbsp;

Google CEO Sundar Pichai has promised changes to the tech giant's sexual harassment policies, a week after thousands of its employees across the world, including in India, walked out in protest against the company reportedly shielding some top executives accused of sexual misconduct.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai has promised changes to the tech giant's sexual harassment policies, a week after thousands of its employees across the world, including in India, walked out in protest against the company reportedly shielding some top executives accused of sexual misconduct. In a memo to employees on Thursday, the Indian-origin CEO said, "We recognise that we have not always gotten everything right in the past and we are sincerely sorry for that. It's clear we need to make some changes." Also read: Less booze, improving diversity: Google outlines steps to tackle workplace harassment "This is an area where we need to continually make progress and are committed to doing so," Pichai said while detailing the comprehensive action plan to address the demands of the Google employees. "We will provide more transparency on how we handle concerns. We'll give better support and care to the people who raise them. And we will double down on our commitment to be a representative, equitable, and respectful workplace," he assured the employees. More than 20,000 Google employees across the world walked out of their offices last Thursday following a bombshell New York Times report that detailed how the company has shielded and gave multimillion-dollar severance packages for senior executives accused of sexual misconduct, with organisers of the protest demanding concrete changes like a new system for reporting abuse and an employee representative on the company's board. Some 150 Google employees participated in the walkout in India. The employees were from Hyderabad, Gurgaon and Mumbai offices. Google leadership also held a town-hall style meeting with employees following the publication of Pichai's memo on Thursday, the CNBC reported. While the policy changes Pichai outlined met many of the protesters' requirements, they do not include adding an employee representative to Alphabet's board or elevating the chief diversity officer to report directly to the CEO, it said. Google's plan includes providing more transparency around sexual harassment investigations and outcomes as part of its annual "Investigations Report," revamping its reporting channels for incidents of misconduct, updating and expanding its sexual harassment training and making arbitration optional for sexual harassment claims. Organisers of the protests had specifically demanded Google put an end to its policy of forced arbitration for sexual misconduct allegations a practice that prevents employees from taking cases to court and is generally criticised for suppressing victims' stories. Pichai's memo says that while Google "never required confidentiality," employees with harassment or assault claims can now choose whether or not to go through the arbitration process. Organisers of Google's protests were also deliberate about including contract workers in their original demands. Google said in an additional document detailing changes that it will routinely review contractor and temp worker suppliers to see if they adhere to agreements around the handling of employee complaints. However, the Tech Workers Coalition, which launched a retaliation hotline for Google employees who participated in last week's protest, says that the new policies don't do enough to protect those temp, vendor and contract workers (TVCs), the report said. "TVCs didn't receive this email this morning, and have been excluded from the town-hall," a spokesperson said. "This deliberate slight demonstrates the caste-like system deployed by Google, which fails to protect its workers and our colleagues." The protest's organisers also released a statement saying that while Google made progress towards addressing their demands, they would "not let up" until all of them were met. "We demand a truly equitable culture, and Google leadership can achieve this by putting employee representation on the board and giving full rights and protections to contract workers, our most vulnerable workers, many of whom are Black and Brown women," CNBC quoted Google employee Stephanie Parker as saying in that statement.

Google walkout effect: CEO Sundar Pichai announces revamped sexual harassment policies

US-based journalist, who had recently levelled allegations against former union minister MJ Akbar, released a statement on Friday responding to<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/m-j-akbar-denies-rape-allegations-by-us-journalist-wife-defends-him-175097"> Akbar's claims</a>&nbsp;that he was in&nbsp;a consensual relationship with her.

In a tweet posted on Friday, she&nbsp;said, "Rather than taking responsibility for his abuse of me and his serial predation of other young women who have courageously come forward. MJ Akbar has insisted—just like other infamous serial sexual abuser of women—that the relationship was consensual".

"It was not. A relationship that is based on coercion, and abuse of power, is not consensual. I stand by every word in my published account", she added.

Former Union minister&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/20-women-demand-hearing-of-their-testimonies-against-mj-akbar-171959">M J Akbar&nbsp;</a>on Friday denied allegations of rape levelled against him by a US-based journalist. Speaking to news agency ANI, Akbar said that the two were in a consensual relationship which perhaps didn't end on a "best note".

"Somewhere around 1994, she and I entered into a consensual relationship that spanned several months. This relationship gave rise to talk and would later cause strife in my home life as well. This consensual relationship ended, perhaps not on the best note," Akbar said.

"Several people who worked with me and knew both of us have indicated that they would be happy to testify and that at no stage did her behaviour give any one of them impression that she was working under duress," he added.

The US-based journalist, in a newspaper article, narrated her side in detail and described the incident of rape and various others incidents of sexual assault 23 years ago.

Akbar's wife Mallika Joseph too is standing by her husband. "I have been silent all this while as a 'MeToo' campaign has been unleashed against my husband, Mr MJ Akbar. However, article by journalist alleging that she was raped by him forces me to step in with what I know to be true," she has said in her statement.

"The journalist was often at our home, happily drinking and dining with us. Neither carried the haunted look of victims of sexual assault. I don't know her reasons for telling this lie but a lie it is," said Joseph.

"At a party at our home, crowded with young journalists, I have watched with mortification and pain as they danced close. I had confronted my husband at the time and he decided to prioritise his family," she added.

Akbar, who was the Minister of State for External Affairs at the Centre,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mj-akbar-resigns-as-minister-of-state-for-external-affairs-171938">resigned last month&nbsp;</a>after as many as 16 women journalists accused him of sexual assault and harassment when he was a newspaper editor.

US-based journalist, who had recently levelled allegations against former union minister MJ Akbar, released a statement on Friday responding to Akbar's claims that he was in a consensual relationship with her.

US-based journalist, who had recently levelled allegations against former union minister MJ Akbar, released a statement on Friday responding to Akbar's claims that he was in a consensual relationship with her. In a tweet posted on Friday, she said, "Rather than taking responsibility for his abuse of me and his serial predation of other young women who have courageously come forward. MJ Akbar has insisted—just like other infamous serial sexual abuser of women—that the relationship was consensual". "It was not. A relationship that is based on coercion, and abuse of power, is not consensual. I stand by every word in my published account", she added. Former Union minister M J Akbar on Friday denied allegations of rape levelled against him by a US-based journalist. Speaking to news agency ANI, Akbar said that the two were in a consensual relationship which perhaps didn't end on a "best note". "Somewhere around 1994, she and I entered into a consensual relationship that spanned several months. This relationship gave rise to talk and would later cause strife in my home life as well. This consensual relationship ended, perhaps not on the best note," Akbar said. "Several people who worked with me and knew both of us have indicated that they would be happy to testify and that at no stage did her behaviour give any one of them impression that she was working under duress," he added. The US-based journalist, in a newspaper article, narrated her side in detail and described the incident of rape and various others incidents of sexual assault 23 years ago. Akbar's wife Mallika Joseph too is standing by her husband. "I have been silent all this while as a 'MeToo' campaign has been unleashed against my husband, Mr MJ Akbar. However, article by journalist alleging that she was raped by him forces me to step in with what I know to be true," she has said in her statement. "The journalist was often at our home, happily drinking and dining with us. Neither carried the haunted look of victims of sexual assault. I don't know her reasons for telling this lie but a lie it is," said Joseph. "At a party at our home, crowded with young journalists, I have watched with mortification and pain as they danced close. I had confronted my husband at the time and he decided to prioritise his family," she added. Akbar, who was the Minister of State for External Affairs at the Centre, resigned last month after as many as 16 women journalists accused him of sexual assault and harassment when he was a newspaper editor.

Relationship based on coercion, abuse of power: US-based journalist to MJ Akbar

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