Protests in 130 cities ahead of Supreme Court's RG Kar hearing

People from the UK, US, Ireland, Australia, Japan, and 22 other countries are joining the first global human chain against the brutal rape-murder of Kolkata doctor.

- SUPROTIM MUKHERJEE

Activists and concerned citizens protesting the horrific rape and murder of a young doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9 have organized demonstrations in 130 cities worldwide for Sunday evening.

These protests come just hours before the Supreme Court is set to hear the case on Monday.

Protests will take place in 130 cities across 30 countries and six continents, all scheduled for 5 pm local time.

"It is incredible how people have come together from countries such as the UK, US, England, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Canada, Switzerland, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, Czech Republic, Spain, Tanzania, Zambia, South Africa, Mexico, Brazil, and Taiwan. We will be joined in the first-ever global human chain," said Dipti Jain, the global coordinator of the protest and a doctor from Calcutta National Medical College.

In Kolkata, events over the weekend will see street protests reaching their third peak, following significant protests on the nights of August 14 and September 4. Protesters are committed to maintaining pressure as the Supreme Court hearing approaches.

Efforts are also underway to galvanise support for a 16-km human chain stretching from the victim's Sodepur residence to R G Kar Medical College and Hospital.