This article is from the source 'bbc' 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.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-21115351

The article has changed 10 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 3 Version 4
Delhi gang rape trial to begin in fast-track court Delhi gang rape trial to begin in fast-track court
(35 minutes later)
The fast-tracked trial of five men over the gang rape and murder of a 23-year-old woman is due to start in Delhi. The trial of five Indian men over the gang rape and murder of a woman last month is due to begin in Delhi.
A sixth suspect, who is thought to be 17, is expected to be tried in a juvenile court. If convicted by the specially convened fast-track court, the men could face the death penalty. A sixth suspect is set to be tried in a juvenile court.
The case has shocked India and sparked a debate about the treatment of women. If convicted, the men could face the death penalty. The case has shocked India and sparked a debate about the treatment of women.
A lawyer for one of the accused says he plans to petition the Supreme Court to transfer the case out of Delhi. The start of proceedings on Monday was delayed by discussions between judges and lawyers. One defendant is seeking to have the trial moved out of Delhi.
VK Anand, representing Ram Singh, said the intense media attention could lead to an unfair trial. VK Anand, the lawyer representing Ram Singh, said the intense media attention in the capital could lead to an unfair trial.
"We are sure we will not get justice in Delhi," he added."We are sure we will not get justice in Delhi," he added.
The other men accused have been named as Mr Singh's brother, Mukesh, Pawan Gupta, Vinay Sharma and Akshay Thakur. The other men accused have been named as Mr Singh's brother Mukesh, Pawan Gupta, Vinay Sharma and Akshay Thakur. The sixth suspect is thought to be 17.
Separately, the mother of the woman has condemned comments suggesting that her daughter was responsible for her fate. Separately, the mother of the victim has condemned comments suggesting that her daughter was responsible for her fate.
She told the BBC that those politicians who had expressed such views were "sexist and irresponsible" and effectively endorsed such crimes.She told the BBC that those politicians who had expressed such views were "sexist and irresponsible" and effectively endorsed such crimes.
'Extensive evidence''Extensive evidence'
The brutal assault on the young woman has led to nationwide protests against the treatment of women in India. The brutal assault on the 23-year-old woman has led to nationwide protests against the treatment of women in India.
The government has promised to fast-track future rape cases. Legal proceedings in India sometimes involve years of delays.The government has promised to fast-track future rape cases. Legal proceedings in India sometimes involve years of delays.
Six fast-track courts will be set up in Delhi to allow crimes against women to be dealt with swiftly.Six fast-track courts will be set up in Delhi to allow crimes against women to be dealt with swiftly.
Last week, another lawyer claimed that the men had been tortured and coerced into confessing they were guilty. Officials refused to comment on the allegations, citing legal restrictions.Last week, another lawyer claimed that the men had been tortured and coerced into confessing they were guilty. Officials refused to comment on the allegations, citing legal restrictions.
Lawyers for two of the suspects have said they will plead not guilty. It is unclear how the other three accused will plead. Prosecutors have said they have extensive forensic evidence.Lawyers for two of the suspects have said they will plead not guilty. It is unclear how the other three accused will plead. Prosecutors have said they have extensive forensic evidence.
The victim, a physiotherapy student who cannot be named in India for legal reasons, and a male friend were attacked on a bus in south Delhi on 16 December. She died two weeks later in hospital in Singapore.The victim, a physiotherapy student who cannot be named in India for legal reasons, and a male friend were attacked on a bus in south Delhi on 16 December. She died two weeks later in hospital in Singapore.
Campaigners are calling for tougher rape laws and reforms to the police, who, critics say, often fail to file charges against accused attackers.Campaigners are calling for tougher rape laws and reforms to the police, who, critics say, often fail to file charges against accused attackers.
The government has said that it will bring in stronger sexual assault laws and has established several committees to recommend changes in the law.The government has said that it will bring in stronger sexual assault laws and has established several committees to recommend changes in the law.