Delhi gang rape suspects ‘tortured to force confession’

A potential lawyer for three of the men charged with the abduction, rape and murder of a 23-year-old woman in Delhi says his clients have been tortured and coerced into admitting the crime.

Thursday, January 10, 2013

A potential lawyer for three of the men charged with the abduction, rape and murder of a 23-year-old woman in Delhi says his clients have been tortured and coerced into admitting the crime. Amid heavy security, five suspects are in court in the Indian capital for a second time, with the case expected to be moved to a special fast-track court. If convicted, the accused face the death penalty.The case has shocked India and prompted a debate about the treatment of women.A sixth suspect, who is thought to be 17, will be tried separately in a youth court if it is confirmed he is a minor.Manohar Lal Sharma, who is intending to represent three of the accused - Mukesh Singh, Akshay Thakur and Ram Singh - said one 22-year-old suspect had been tortured for 10 days."He was coerced into admission," said Mr Sharma outside the court on Thursday morning. "He's unable to speak now."All these people have been tortured badly. It's under pressure that they have made statements in court."Evidence has been manipulated to calm the anger among people."