What's happened
Following the rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata on August 9, widespread protests have erupted across India and globally. Thousands demand justice and improved safety for healthcare workers, highlighting ongoing issues of violence against women in the country.
Why it matters
What the papers say
The Independent reported that protests erupted after the doctor was found dead, with thousands demanding justice and better safety for healthcare workers. Dipti Jain, an organizer of the global protests, stated, "The news of this heinous crime... numbed and shocked each of us at the sheer ruthlessness, brutality and disregard of human life." The South China Morning Post highlighted that the protests began in cities like Japan and Australia before spreading worldwide, emphasizing the global outrage over the incident. Meanwhile, the New Statesman pointed out that despite past reforms, the legal framework in India has failed to protect women effectively, with marital rape still not criminalized. This ongoing cycle of violence and inadequate legal response underscores the urgent need for systemic change.
How we got here
The protests began after a 31-year-old trainee doctor was found dead at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. An autopsy confirmed sexual assault, leading to public outrage and demands for accountability from authorities.
More on these topics
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Kolkata is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal, located on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River, approximately 80 kilometres west of the border with Bangladesh.
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Mamata Banerjee is an Indian politician who is serving as the 8th and current Chief Minister of West Bengal since 2011, the first woman to hold the office.