Modi salutes women in India as anger rages

DELHI: Indian Premier Narendra Modi deplored crimes against women in the country yesterday as he made assurances that his government was taking measures to protect them.

Modi’s statement came on International Women’s Day and during continuing controversy over a government ban on the broadcast of a documentary about the December 2012 gang rape of a Delhi student.

India has seen widespread anger over sexual violence since the 2012 crime. Activists said that attacks on women and girls continued to happen despite tougher anti-rape laws.

In his message, Modi said he saluted the “indomitable courage and stellar achievements of women”.

But he said: “Our heads hang in shame when we hear of instances of crime against women.

“We must walk shoulder to shoulder to end all forms of discrimination or injustice against women.”

The Indian government is setting up centres and a helpline to provide assistance, legal advice and psychological counselling to women who face violence or abuse.

Modi said his government had also launched the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (Save the Daughter, Teach Her) campaign to stop female foeticide and ensure education of girl children.

India’s Daughter, a documentary made by British filmmaker Leslee Udwin, which has been broadcast on BBC, was to be telecast on Indian channel NDTV on International Women’s Day.

The Indian government banned the film, saying it contained offensive remarks about women by a convicted rapist and two defence lawyers. – Sapa-dpa

Putting in appearance

TEHRAN: Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has made a public appearance amid rumours about his health.

State television aired images yesterday of Khamenei,75, addressing environmental officials in Tehran.– Sapa-AP

Man scales parliament

LONDON: British police arrested a man yesterday after he was seen walking on the roof of Britain’s parliament buildings.

The man was spotted on Saturday night, but his reason for trespassing has not yet been ascertained. – Reuters

Blogger release plea

RIYADH: German ViceChancellor Sigmar Gabriel appealed to Saudi Arabian King Salman yesterday for the release of blogger Raif Badawi, who was sentenced last year to 1 000 lashes and 10 years in jail for allegedly insulting Islam. – Sapa-dpa

Terror trial postponed

CAIRO: The retrial of two Al Jazeera English journalists who face terrorism-related charges in Egypt has been postponed to Thursday next week.

The two face charges of being part of a terrorist group and airing falsified footage. – Sapa-AP