SARAH JAQRIF

Algeria- The rape and murder of a female doctor in India sparks anger all around the world. “It was an attack against humanity,” said Salima Melizi, a women’s rights activist and journalist in Algeria.

 “We strongly condemn the murder of a young female doctor in India and believe that this attack was an attack against humanity and women. Protection mechanisms need to be developed for women in the healthcare sector. The rape and killing of the female doctor in India is not something new; women are raped and killed in many countries. Especially in closed societies, women are subjected to different forms of violence.”

 ‘Reactions will prevent such crimes’

 

Rape attacks against women are common in Arab countries, Salima Melizi added. “Harassment and rapes cases are often not reported to the relevant authorities and they are kept secret. I have investigated many unreported rape cases. Fathers were rapists in some of these cases. The rape and murder of the female doctor has sparked protests in India. The silence against such cases has been broken and this case has become a global case. Reactions will prevent such crimes. If we unite against gender-based violence, we will also stop widespread violence in society.”

‘Women’s solidarity is important’

“We condemn the rape and murder of the female doctor in India,” said Algerian activist Assia Belhaj. “There are many rape cases and we should find urgent solutions to reduce this phenomenon. Women do not receive adequate legal protection or protection from the relevant authorities, and the lack of legal protection increases violence against women. Rapists should not go unpunished. The unity of women can bring real change. We should raise our voices together to end violence against women.”