India revokes amnesty for 11 gang rape convicts

A video shows the men convicted of gang-raping Bilkis Bano being greeted with wreaths upon their early release from prison in August 2023 (Photo: Twitter).

The group must return to jail within two weeks, after they were released early in August 2022 on the recommendation of a Gujarat state government panel, according to a ruling by the Supreme Court in New Delhi.

"Their petition for liberty is rejected," the Supreme Court wrote in its judgment, adding that allowing them to go free would be "inconsistent with the rule of law."

The Gujarat state government ordered the release of the 11 men in August 2022 after the prison recommended them based on time served and good behavior.

Gang rape victim Bilkis Bano (Photo: AP).

The men were given a hero's welcome when they were released. A video showed relatives and supporters bringing candy and wreaths to greet the 11.

The decision to release the 11 convicts sparked outrage across the country, with Bilkis saying at the time that he was "speechless".

“The release of these convicts has taken away my peace and shaken my faith in justice,” Bilkis said. “My sadness and shaken faith are not for me alone, but for every woman who is fighting for justice in court.”

In a ruling on January 8, the Supreme Court said the Gujarat state government did not have the authority to commute the sentences of the 11 men because the trial had been transferred to Mumbai.

The opposition Congress party welcomed the January 8 verdict. "India will not allow justice to be meted out depending on the religion or caste of the victim and the perpetrator," a party spokesman said.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-gioi/an-do-huy-lenh-an-xa-11-toi-pham-hiep-dam-tap-the-20240108154548181.htm