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Delhi gang rape suspects 'tortured to force confession' Delhi gang rape suspects 'tortured to force confession'
(35 minutes later)
A potential lawyer for three of the men charged with the abduction, rape and murder of a 23-year-old woman in Delhi says his clients have been tortured and coerced into admitting the crime.A potential lawyer for three of the men charged with the abduction, rape and murder of a 23-year-old woman in Delhi says his clients have been tortured and coerced into admitting the crime.
Five men are due to appear in court in the Indian capital for a second time, with the case expected to be moved to a special fast-track court. Amid heavy security, five suspects are in court in the Indian capital for a second time, with the case expected to be moved to a special fast-track court.
If convicted, the suspects face the death penalty. If convicted, the accused face the death penalty.
The case has shocked India and prompted a debate about the treatment of women.The case has shocked India and prompted a debate about the treatment of women.
A sixth suspect, who is thought to be 17, will be tried separately in a youth court if it is confirmed he is a minor.A sixth suspect, who is thought to be 17, will be tried separately in a youth court if it is confirmed he is a minor.
Manohar Lal Sharma, who is intending to represent three of the accused - Mukesh Singh, Akshay Thakur and Ram Singh - said one of the men had been tortured for 10 days. Manohar Lal Sharma, who is intending to represent three of the accused - Mukesh Singh, Akshay Thakur and Ram Singh - said one 22-year-old suspect had been tortured for 10 days.
"This 22-year-old boy was picked up from his village," said Mr Sharma as he entered court on Thursday morning. "He was coerced into admission," said Mr Sharma outside the court on Thursday morning. "He's unable to speak now.
"He was tortured for 10 days. He was coerced into admission. He's unable to speak now. "All these people have been tortured badly. It's under pressure that they have made statements in court.
"All these people have been tortured badly. It's under pressure that they have made statements in court." "Evidence has been manipulated to calm the anger among people."
Delhi police spokesman Rajan Bhagat refused to comment, citing legal restrictions.Delhi police spokesman Rajan Bhagat refused to comment, citing legal restrictions.
Sunil Gupta, a spokesman for Tihar Jail where the suspects are being held, told the BBC all the accused were being kept in different sections of the jail "and their safety is guaranteed".Sunil Gupta, a spokesman for Tihar Jail where the suspects are being held, told the BBC all the accused were being kept in different sections of the jail "and their safety is guaranteed".
It is not clear how the other two suspects - Pawan Gupta and Vinay Sharma - will plead or who will represent them. Lawyer Vivek Sharma who says he is representing a fourth suspect, Pawan Gupta, says he will plead not guilty.
It is not clear how the fifth suspect, Vinay Sharma, will plead.
Prosecutors have said they have extensive forensic evidence.Prosecutors have said they have extensive forensic evidence.
Police criticisedPolice criticised
The magistrate has ordered that the preliminary hearings be held behind closed doors and has put restraints on media reporting.The magistrate has ordered that the preliminary hearings be held behind closed doors and has put restraints on media reporting.
Reports say that the court will decide on the venue for the fast-track trial.Reports say that the court will decide on the venue for the fast-track trial.
There were chaotic scenes in the Delhi court on Monday when the group appeared for the first time.There were chaotic scenes in the Delhi court on Monday when the group appeared for the first time.
Lawyers argued with each other over representation and the magistrate adjourned the hearing, moving it behind closed doors.Lawyers argued with each other over representation and the magistrate adjourned the hearing, moving it behind closed doors.
Separately, the Delhi High Court has criticised the city's police over the gang rape incident on 16 December.Separately, the Delhi High Court has criticised the city's police over the gang rape incident on 16 December.
The court said on Wednesday that only one police officer had been suspended in connection with the incident, and asked the police: "Why are you trying to save the errant policemen?"The court said on Wednesday that only one police officer had been suspended in connection with the incident, and asked the police: "Why are you trying to save the errant policemen?"
The victim, who cannot be named in India for legal reasons, and a male friend were attacked on a bus in south Delhi. She died two weeks later in a hospital in Singapore.The victim, who cannot be named in India for legal reasons, and a male friend were attacked on a bus in south Delhi. She died two weeks later in a hospital in Singapore.
Campaigners are calling for tougher rape laws and reforms to the police, who - critics say - often fail to file charges against those accused of attacks.Campaigners are calling for tougher rape laws and reforms to the police, who - critics say - often fail to file charges against those accused of attacks.