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                 Opening Arguments Thursday in India Rape Case

   Five men accused of the brutal rape and murder of a 23-year-old student
   in New Delhi are appearing Thursday in a fast-track court for crimes
   against women.
   The court is expected to hear opening arguments in the case. At least
   two of the defendants are expected to plead not guilty to charges of
   rape and murder. Defense lawyers say the men were tortured by the
   police to coerce confessions.
   Prosecutors say DNA evidence, cellphone records and the testimony of
   the victim will prove their case. A senior prosecutor has said he will
   seek the death penalty for the five men. A sixth suspect claims to be a
   juvenile and is being tried separately.
   The special fast-track court was established to circumvent India`s
   notoriously slow justice system.
   The expedited proceedings in this specific case are in response to
   public outrage for the brutality of the December 16th attack. The
   defendants are accused of beating the woman and her male companion with
   an iron rod and using the rusty rod during the sexual assault of the
   woman.
   The unidentified victim died of her internal injuries on December 29th
   in a Singapore hospital, where she had been taken for treatment.
   The woman`s rape and death sparked outrage across the country.
   Protesters have called for tougher rape laws, major police reforms and
   a transformation in the way India treats women.
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   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/opening-arguments-thursday-in-india-r
   ape-case/1589916.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/opening-arguments-thursday-in-india-rape-case/1589916.html