Anger Against Kolkata Murder-Rape Echoes Across World. UK, Germany, and Bangladesh Hold Protest

As India continues to question the authorities over the horrific rape-murder case at RG Kar Hospital in Kolkata, widespread protests demanding justice are raging not only across the nation but also worldwide. The Indian diaspora has joined in solidarity, with protests occurring in countries like Canada, Germany, and the USA, echoing the cry for justice.

Germany

In Essen, Germany, the Indian community organized a protest to express solidarity with the victims. Protesters were seen holding placards and singing songs of unity.

"Today, I am standing here to demand safety for my friends back in India, especially after dark," said one participant, while another woman held a placard that read, "Demand for Justice."

Another organizer expressed, "We have young daughters, and drastic steps are needed so that our daughters can go out freely."

"It is important to raise our sons better, to make them better humans so that they do not harm anyone," added another protester.

Protesters collectively demanded punishment for the criminals and urged people to move beyond politics in this case.

In Munich, Bengalis held protests despite heavy rain. People gathered to stand in vigil, candles in hand, with songs on their lips.

United Kingdom

Indian medical professionals and doctors working in the United Kingdom held a massive protest and candlelight march in Manchester. Indian-origin medicos across London organized peaceful protests outside India House in London and issued an open letter.

“This incident is a symptom of the rising violence against women and the negligence of the state towards its citizens. The absence of investment in public infrastructure and safety measures has a disproportionate impact on women, who are already marginalized by patriarchal social conditions. Instead of supporting their empowerment by creating safe workplaces and efficient judicial mechanisms, government leaders, including Mamata Banerjee, have historically indulged in victim-blaming and misogynist responses,” read an excerpt from the open letter.

The letter criticized the Bengal Government for not implementing public safety measures in workplaces.

Several groups decided to organize protests on the eve of Independence Day to support fellow Indians back home with the 'Reclaim the Night' vigils across Bengal. Many protests were held, including a peaceful demonstration by British Indian women doctors at Parliament Square in London, near the Mahatma Gandhi statue, on August 22.

“We stand in solidarity with our fraternity. Justice delayed is justice denied, is the collective refrain of the doctors who have reached out to me from across the UK, US, Canada, and the UAE,” said Dr. Dipti Jain, a National Health Service (NHS) geriatrician based in Brighton.

Bangladesh

Dhaka University also organized a march with over a thousand participants under the banner "Awaaz Tolo Naari" (Raise Your Voice, Women) as slogans of “Dhaka to Kolkata - We Want Justice” and "No Means No and Yes Means Yes" were raised.

Similar protests have been taking place in the USA, Australia, and several other parts of the world.