Cracking down on village rule in India

A shocking case of sexual violence is casting light on the power of village councils in India.  A 20-year-old woman was allegedly gang raped on the instruction of a village elder, who objected to her relationship with a man from a different community.  More than a dozen people have been arrested so far.

Becky spoke to Amnesty International's Kadambari Gladding on India's efforts to crack down on village rule.  Gladding says the government needs to act swiftly in order for things to change.

"It's important for the government to start recognizing that the decrees that are issued by village councils like this are actually illegal," Gladding said.  "I mean, to incite violence against a woman simply for falling in love with someone outside their community is illegal."

Gladding also urged the Indian government to do more to promote human rights across the country – not just in urban centers.  "Mindsets need changing and honing to be more conscious of human rights and to be able to respect the rights of women to choose their own partners."