Outrage over MLA's remarks on rape survivor

Protests erupted in Kerala on Sunday against MLA P C George over the abusive remarks he made on a Catholic nun who raised allegations of rape against Franco Mulakkal, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Jalandhar.

The MLA had on Saturday called the survivor a “prostitute” and questioned her motives by contending that she had not complained when she was abused for the first time.

“Is there any doubt that this nun is a prostitute? It was pleasure for 12 times and it’s rape in the 13th?”, the independent MLA from Poonjar said during a media interaction.

The complainant who was expected to meet the media on Sunday had called off the interaction after George’s remarks.

National Commission for Women Chairperson Rekha Sharma said she would write to the state police chief seeking action against the MLA.

Police have initiated a preliminary probe and are examining video evidence from the interaction. In Kochi, protesters burned the legislator's effigy. On social media, George faced stinging criticism for his comments.