The trial of five men accused of brutally gang raping a 23 year old medical student, who later died of her injuries, on a bus in New Delhi, India, began today. Those accused face charges of murder, rape and kidnapping and could receive the death penalty if convicted.
The judge hearing the cases has barred lawyers from speaking to the media about the details of the case. If they violate the judge's order they could face contempt-of-court charges.
On December 16th, the 23-year-old medical student and her male partner were attacked while riding a bus in New Delhi. Both were severely beaten. The woman was raped repeatedly for nearly an hour before a metal rod was pushed inside her, critically damaging her internal organs. She was transferred to a hospital in Singapore and required multiple surgeries for head and intestinal injuries. She died as a result of her injuries two weeks later.
Media Resources: AFP 1/24/2013; Los Angeles Times 1/24/2013; Feminist Newswire 1/17/2013, 1/14/2013
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