India: Protests over alleged rape of doctor
In India, the alleged rape and murder of a medical student has sparked outrage. Recently, thousands of doctors, both male and female, along with women's groups in various parts of the world's most populous country, have protested, citing the lack of safety for healthcare workers and women who work late at night.
A large protest was announced for Wednesday night in the city of Kolkata and other parts of the state of West Bengal, where the doctor died. It was scheduled to begin just before midnight and continue into the early hours of Thursday, according to social media posts.
Women of all ages planned to participate - from schoolgirls to elderly women, said an organizer of the local newspaper "The Telegraph": "We have only one demand: 'Let us live.' How many more times will we die or live in fear?"
The protests were triggered by the case of the 31-year-old doctor. Her body was found in a large hospital in Kolkata last Friday. An autopsy, according to local media, indicated sexual violence. The police later arrested a suspect and the Supreme Court in the metropolis directed an Indian federal police agency to take over the investigation.
The case highlights the problem of violence against women in the subcontinent. There have been several cases that have caused international shock. While stricter laws have been enacted in recent years, many feel that not enough is being done.
Court cases often take years. And it is often criticized that many cases are never reported. Healthcare workers also often complain about violence in various forms - for example, from relatives when patients die.
The outrage over the incident has highlighted the significant deficiency in ensuring safety for healthcare workers, particularly women who work late at night. The demands of the protesters go beyond just seeking justice for the victim, but also call for measures to address this persistent issue.
