Speedy trial of rape cases brooks no delay
After the rape of two university students at a hotel in Banani in March last year, the outcry for justice was tremendous. The prime accused was arrested soon after. Given the attention the incident received from the public and the media, we saw tremendous activity on the part of law enforcement in investigating the case. Yet, one-and-a-half years into the case, there has been no sentence yet. This is especially worrying given that the trial process of these cases was supposed to be wrapped up within 180 days of filing the case.
We have maintained consistently that such delays in investigation and trial of rape and sexual violence cases effectively mean that justice is denied to victims. The reality of rape cases in Bangladesh is that victims fight an uphill battle at every step. A culture of victim blaming, lack of awareness about consent, and the medical and legal environment all contribute to keeping women silent. And when they do speak up, the character of the woman is brought to question in court.
In this context, the commitment by the state for speedy trial of cases filed under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act is crucial. Yet, we continue to see numerous instances where the trials are not finished within 180 days. If we are to be truly committed to ending sexual violence, and ensuring that women not only get justice but have the scope of asking for it, the state must set examples by finishing the trial in time. Otherwise the delay will be exploited by the accused to their advantage.
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