The trial for five defendants charged with the rape and murder of a New Delhi student will begin Thursday, the Associated Press reports. The brutal rape of the woman, who died from her injuries two weeks after the attack, has sparked protests about violence against women.
One of the defendants claims to be a juvenile and his case is being handled separately.
The judge told the lawyers to prepare for opening statements to begin Thursday and agreed to a defense motion to hold the trial every day throughout the week, instead of allowing the gaps of weeks and months between hearings common in other courts…
Defense lawyers are awaiting a decision by the Supreme Court on their motion to move the trial outside New Delhi because of the strong emotions in the city.
The case is being tried in one of five new fast-tracked courts set up in the past few weeks specifically to deal with sexual assault cases in New Delhi.
