Syria: Civilians and journalists pay a heavy price
25/02/2013 - THE WEEK IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Syria: Civilians and journalists pay a heavy price

The fighting in Syria claims the life of French photojournalist Olivier Voisin, as civilian casualties continue to increase. In Egypt, we look at the threat of sexual violence that hangs over women who venture into Tahrir Square. Finally, as "Argo" clinches the Best Picture award at the Oscars, not everyone in Iran is happy with the film's version of events.
Belgium denies early release to paedophile Dutroux
18/02/2013 - BELGIUM

Belgium denies early release to paedophile Dutroux

A Belgian court ruled Monday that there would be no early release for the country’s most notorious convicted paedophile. Marc Dutroux was convicted in 2004 of kidnapping and raping six girls and killing four of them in the 1990s.
Millions dance to end violence against women
15/02/2013 - WOMEN'S RIGHTS

Millions dance to end violence against women

Millions of demonstrators took to the world’s streets on Thursday in a series of “flash mobs” to call for an end to violence against women. According to the United Nations, one out of three women on the planet will experience gender-based violence.
French police baffled by twins' DNA in series of rapes
11/02/2013 - FRANCE

French police baffled by twins' DNA in series of rapes

French police investigating a series of sexual assaults in the southern city of Marseille have arrested a set of identical twins because they don’t know which one may be to blame after linking their DNA to the crimes. Both men deny the allegations.
Mumbai's solution to violence against women: put them under curfew
04/02/2013 - INDIA

Mumbai's solution to violence against women: put them under curfew

In the aftermath of the brutal gang-rape and murder of a 23-year-old student in New Delhi, Indian society has been mulling how to reduce crime, particularly sexual violence against women. In Mumbai, a city that has always enjoyed a reputation for being one of the most liberal places in India, police have come up with a solution that has left many women angry. Any young couples found outside after dark can now be fined 18 euros for not respecting a curfew.
Cairo rape video highlights plight of women protesters
04/02/2013 - EGYPT

Cairo rape video highlights plight of women protesters

A video showing an alleged gang rape in Tahrir Square last week has highlighted the ongoing plight of political active female Egyptian protesters. Activists say Islamist thugs seeking to discredit the protests are to blame.
Men accused of Delhi gang rape plead not guilty
02/02/2013 - INDIA

Men accused of Delhi gang rape plead not guilty

Five men accused of the fatal gang rape of a woman aboard a Delhi bus in December pleaded not guilty on Saturday, one of their lawyers said. The fast-track court where the trial is taking place will begin hearing witnesses’ evidence on Tuesday.
Denis Mukwege, the Congolese doctor who 'heals' raped women
01/02/2013 - REPORTERS

Denis Mukwege, the Congolese doctor who 'heals' raped women

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, rape has become a weapon of war. For over a dozen years, gynaecologist Denis Mukwege has operated on more than 30,000 raped and mutilated women. With his help, they have begun to put their ordeal behind them and rebuild their lives. The doctor, who is considered a hero, is continuing his fight despite an attempt on his life. Our reporters Marc Perelman and Johan Bodin met him.
Mali: 'France should not be drawn into con game'
28/01/2013 - IN THE WORLD PAPERS

Mali: 'France should not be drawn into con game'

The Guardian is reporting that at least 25 women have been sexually assaulted during anniversary clashes in Egypt, and says there are "fears rapes are organised by protest detractors". Mali and Burkina Faso papers say "No" to negotiations with jihadist fighters in northern Mali. Finally, a double take: five sets of identical twins sign up for the same swimming class in southern England. Their teacher, too, is a twin.
Delhi lawmaker tells gun owners to protect women
26/01/2013 - INDIA

Delhi lawmaker tells gun owners to protect women

Delhi’s lieutenant governor has called for gun owners to patrol the city streets and use their weapons to prevent crimes against women, local press reports, following the brutal gang rape of a student aboard a bus in December.
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