Gang-Rape Trial Begins in India

As a new horror reported
By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff
Posted Jan 21, 2013 7:44 AM CST
Gang Rape Trial Begins in India
AP Singh, lawyer for one of the accused, speaks to journalists outside the Saket district court comple in New Delhi, India, Jan. 21, 2013. .   (AP Photo/ Saurabh Das)

The trial of the five men accused of raping and murdering a 23-year-old on a New Delhi bus began today, after being put on a special fast-track, the BBC reports. No arguments were actually heard, however. The defense argued that the trial should be open to the public, a request the judge denied. Charges were then read, and the trial adjourned until Thursday, when opening arguments will take place. But first, the court will hear a defense motion seeking to move the trial, with the defense arguing that the accused can't get a fair trial in the city the alleged rape took place in, the Telegraph reports.

But even as this trial begins, another brutal gang-rape is grabbing headlines. Yesterday, a 26-year-old nurse was reportedly abducted, drugged, and gang-raped, with her attackers allegedly filming the entire affair, the Times of India reports. She was found semi-conscious by the side of the road, and admitted to the hospital. The incident took place in Patiala, the same state where a gang-rape victim killed herself last month. These cases have made rape culture a hot-button issue in India, prompting the government to create six fast-track courts to handle crimes against women. (More India stories.)

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