KATHMANDU, May 20: A protest was staged today at Bhatbhateni, Naxal, demanding justice for a victim who spoke out regarding her horrible experiences with sexual abuse, violence and blackmail for over eight years on social media. Although the plan was to stage a demonstration outside the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar, the protestors were turned back by the police.
The protestors demanded an extension of the statute of limitation and the existing penalties in cases of sexual abuse of women and girls. They shouted slogans like “This oppressive state is a rapist”, and “Increase the statute of limitation,” among others. The protesters also carried placards with messages such as "Hold Perpetrators Accountable," Remove statute of limitations for rape and sexual violence, and "Enable fast track courts for rape and sexual violence," among others.
Govt preparing to extend statute of limitations in rapes of min...
“The victim has come out and named the perpetrators and has revealed their actions. If the people and the judiciary continue to remain mum against any wrongdoing, no woman or girl is safe in this country,” said Bhawana Raut, one of the protesters.
Similarly, another protestor Janaki Pathak said that it was a sad fact that women are still unsafe in a country with a female president. Stating that women are not safe in any sector, she asked where would women feel safe in this country. “Women are not safe in any field. I ask the government, where can we women feel safe?”
Here are some pictures taken by Republica Photojournalist Bijaya Rai at Naxal today.
