Amnesty International Condemns New Indian State Law Allowing Death Penalty for Rape Offences – JURIST Coverage

Amnesty International has strongly condemned a new law enacted in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh that allows for the death penalty to be imposed for certain rape offenses. The human rights organization has criticized the move as a step backwards in the fight against sexual violence in the country.

The new law, officially known as the Madhya Pradesh Shakti Bill, was passed by the state’s legislative assembly last week. It allows for the death penalty to be imposed in cases where the victim is under the age of 12 and the perpetrator is found guilty of rape. The law also establishes special fast-track courts to expedite the trial and sentencing process in such cases.

Amnesty International has expressed grave concerns about the new law, arguing that the death penalty is not an effective deterrent against sexual violence and can lead to further injustices. The organization has called on the Indian government to repeal the law and instead focus on implementing comprehensive measures to prevent and address sexual violence, such as improving access to justice for survivors and addressing systemic issues within the criminal justice system.

The Madhya Pradesh Shakti Bill has sparked widespread debate in India, with some supporting the harsher penalties as a necessary measure to combat the rising rates of sexual violence in the country, while others argue that the death penalty is not the answer and may only serve to perpetuate a culture of violence.

As the debate continues, Amnesty International is urging the Indian government to prioritize the rights and safety of survivors of sexual violence and to work towards comprehensive and effective solutions to address the root causes of gender-based violence in the country.