NEPAL: Police negligence in a case of rape and beating of a 16-year-old girl

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) August 31, 2010 -- Urgent Appeal Case: AHRC-UAC-123-2010



31 August 2010
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NEPAL: Police negligence in a case of rape and beating of a 16-year-old girl

ISSUES: Violence against women; rape; police negligence; rule of law
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Dear friends,

The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has received information regarding rape and abuse of a 16 year-old domestic worker in Kathmandu on 18 July 2010 by her employers. Instead of rescuing the victim, police officers from Budha police station have reportedly kept her in detention twice for 24 hours without providing her with adequate medical treatment. In spite of the initial reluctance of the police, a rape case was eventually filed on 21 August 2010 and the two alleged perpetrators have been arrested. Nevertheless, strong doubts remain regarding the police's diligence in investigating the case. It is to be noted that police negligence and the lack of accountability of the police system often act as strong obstacles for rape victims seeking justice.

CASE NARRATIVE:

According to the information we have received from the Women Foundation, Muna (not original name), a 16 year old domestic servant in Kathmandu, was badly beaten and raped by her employers on 18 August 2010 after being accused of theft. The victim, who has been working with her current employer since her childhood, is deaf and dumb (unable to speak).

On 17 August, her employers reportedly accused her of having stolen a piece of jewelry and brought her to Budha police station. She was kept in police custody for 24 hours, the maximum length that people can be kept in police detention before being brought before a judicial authority. Due to the lack of evidence, she was sent back to her employers' house on 18 August.

After Muna was sent back home, her employer's wife reportedly beat her up using stinging nettle. She also reportedly tore off Muna's clothes, poured kerosene on her body and continued to hit her with the nettle and with other objects. The employer's wife then locked Muna in a room with her husband for 2 hours. The husband then reportedly raped Muna who was unable to cry for help.

The alleged perpetrators then took the victim naked outside the house and told the neighbours that she was a thief.

Urgent Appeal details can be found here: http://www.ahrchk.net/ua/mainfile.php/2010/3532/

Nepal     police negligence     rape     RULE OF LAW     violence against women     womens rights