Nepalese protests mirror Indian anger over rape
NEPAL: Hundreds of Nepalese campaigners protested Thursday over the
alleged rape and robbery of a maid by government officials, echoing
widespread anger in neighbouring India over violence against women.
Sita Rai, an assumed name used by the 21-year-old to protect her
identity, says she was robbed by officials and then raped by a policeman
as she returned to Kathmandu's international airport from Saudi Arabia.
Rai was given $1,700 in compensation by the government -- $700 less
than the amount she says she lost -- angering demonstrators who began
picketing the residence of Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai a week ago,
demanding punishment of the accused. Around 200 human rights activists,
journalists and other protesters have been holding up photographs of
many other victims of rape, murders and kidnappings, accusing the
government of failing to act in each case.
“The cases of violence against women came out one after another and I
thought enough is enough, now is the time to act. So, I joined the
protest, which was small in the beginning but is now gaining momentum,”
said Ananta Koirala.
AFP |