Indian gang rapists challenge their death sentences
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Lawyers for four men sentenced to death for raping and murdering a young woman on a bus in Delhi, have challenged the verdicts at a High Court hearing.
The brutal attack in December prompted public outrage over chronic sexual violence against women in India.
"I am challenging this verdict," said AP Singh, who has defended all four men at various times.
All death penalty cases in India must be confirmed by a higher court. As part of the proceedings for that, the High Court said it would begin hearing prosecution arguments on Wednesday supporting the guilty verdicts and death penalties issued earlier this month, while the defence lawyers file their appeals.
"We have to deal with this as expeditiously as possible because the sword of death is hanging over them," Judge Pratibha Rani said.
It could take weeks or months for the court to hear arguments, review evidence and consider the appeals before deciding whether to confirm the execution orders.
The men walked under police escort into the court complex. Three had their faces uncovered in public for the first time since the crime, while one wore a handkerchief tied over his nose and mouth. Another defendant hanged himself in prison, though his family claims he was killed.
AP
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments