India gang rape trial yet to reach ‘fast-track’ court; hearing ends after little progress

NEW DELHI – One month after the fatal gang rape of a young woman on a moving New Delhi bus, a promised “fast-track” trial has yet to begin.

On Thursday, another pre-trial hearing ended after a few minor procedural issues were raised. Defence lawyers for the five accused men said they needed additional copies of some of the evidence.

Authorities are eager to move the case into a fast track court after the especially brutal attack drew nationwide protests and worldwide scrutiny of violence against Indian women. Those courts are designed to avoid the delays, incompetence and corruption that plagues much of India’s legal system.

Lawyers for the five have said police mistreated their clients, including beating them to force them to confess to the Dec. 16 crime.

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