This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/dec/20/release-of-man-convicted-delhi-gang-rape-sparks-protests

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Release of man convicted over Delhi gang-rape sparks protests Release of man convicted over Delhi gang-rape sparks protests
(about 14 hours later)
The youngest convict in a fatal gang-rape in New Delhi has been released from a youth correctional facility, sparking street protests and condemnation from the victim’s parents.The youngest convict in a fatal gang-rape in New Delhi has been released from a youth correctional facility, sparking street protests and condemnation from the victim’s parents.
The rape and murder of 23-year-old student Jyoti Singh on a bus in Delhi in 2012 caused global outrage and triggered reform of legislation relating to sexual offences. Her family allowed her to be named in an attempt to end the stigma facing sex attack victims in India.The rape and murder of 23-year-old student Jyoti Singh on a bus in Delhi in 2012 caused global outrage and triggered reform of legislation relating to sexual offences. Her family allowed her to be named in an attempt to end the stigma facing sex attack victims in India.
The freed man, who was 17 at the time of the crime and cannot be named, was sentenced to three years in a reform facility in August 2013 and finished his term this weekend. Under Indian law, regardless of the crime, under-18s can be imprisoned for a maximum of three years.The freed man, who was 17 at the time of the crime and cannot be named, was sentenced to three years in a reform facility in August 2013 and finished his term this weekend. Under Indian law, regardless of the crime, under-18s can be imprisoned for a maximum of three years.
On Friday Delhi’s high court rejected a petition to extend the sentence, saying that the man had served the maximum under the law. Several activists and politicians demanded that he not be released until it could be proven that he had reformed. The supreme court will hear an appeal against his release on Monday. On Friday Delhi’s high court rejected a petition to extend the sentence, saying that the man had served the maximum under the law. Several activists and politicians demanded that he not be released until it could be proven that he had reformed. The supreme court rejected an appeal against his release on Monday.
Days after the third anniversary of the attack, Indian police confirmed that the rapist, now 20, had completed his spell behind bars. He is now being supervised by a non-governmental agency, which will help him to receive training to become a tailor.Days after the third anniversary of the attack, Indian police confirmed that the rapist, now 20, had completed his spell behind bars. He is now being supervised by a non-governmental agency, which will help him to receive training to become a tailor.
“The convict was handed over to an NGO. He is no longer under the jurisdiction of the police,” a police spokesman told AFP. A source added: “He has been given a new identity and his criminal record has been expunged.”“The convict was handed over to an NGO. He is no longer under the jurisdiction of the police,” a police spokesman told AFP. A source added: “He has been given a new identity and his criminal record has been expunged.”
Swati Maliwal, head of the Delhi Commission for Women, which filed the challenge to be heard in the supreme court on Monday, said: “DCW filing special leave petition in SC tonight. Will go to judge’s house, will try get hearing tonight against Nirbhaya convict’s release.” Singh, has come to be known as Nirbhaya, Hindi for “the fearless one”.
The prospect of the rapist walking free has revived public anger over the attack. On Sunday protests led by Singh’s parents took place near the India Gate monument in the centre of the capital.The prospect of the rapist walking free has revived public anger over the attack. On Sunday protests led by Singh’s parents took place near the India Gate monument in the centre of the capital.
“I am forced to protest on the road as this government appears blind to the atrocities being committed against women in India,” said Singh’s mother, Asha, who was dragged away along with other protesters by police.“I am forced to protest on the road as this government appears blind to the atrocities being committed against women in India,” said Singh’s mother, Asha, who was dragged away along with other protesters by police.
“When will the government wake up? What kind of murder or crime against a woman will make the government see reason? This government wants women to suffer and die. Society will decide what to do with this government … I just want justice, I want a stay on his release.” she said, according to local media translation.“When will the government wake up? What kind of murder or crime against a woman will make the government see reason? This government wants women to suffer and die. Society will decide what to do with this government … I just want justice, I want a stay on his release.” she said, according to local media translation.
I just want justice, I want stay on his release. I don't know anything else: Nirbhaya's Mother pic.twitter.com/lVN5dZDg7dI just want justice, I want stay on his release. I don't know anything else: Nirbhaya's Mother pic.twitter.com/lVN5dZDg7d
Legal experts say Indian law is clear on the rights of juveniles and the petition is unlikely to succeed.Legal experts say Indian law is clear on the rights of juveniles and the petition is unlikely to succeed.
Singh’s father said: “Not only in India but also abroad, people do not want his release, as he had not done the act of a juvenile. The prime minister has the power to stop his release, but no one is taking any action.”Singh’s father said: “Not only in India but also abroad, people do not want his release, as he had not done the act of a juvenile. The prime minister has the power to stop his release, but no one is taking any action.”
Singh said his family had been failed by India’s legal system.
“What can I say? There are no words to describe our disappointment,” he said, referring to the Supreme Court’s decision to reject the appeal against the rapist’s release.
“We don’t understand all these laws. We only know that the system has failed us.”
Four other men were sentenced to death in the case, and a fifth, the alleged ringleader, died in custody in 2013.Four other men were sentenced to death in the case, and a fifth, the alleged ringleader, died in custody in 2013.
The four adults who went to trial confessed to the attack but later retracted their confessions, saying they had been tortured into admitting their involvement. Legal appeals against their death sentences are pending in the supreme court.The four adults who went to trial confessed to the attack but later retracted their confessions, saying they had been tortured into admitting their involvement. Legal appeals against their death sentences are pending in the supreme court.