BLAME GAME

Indian Woman Pol: Women Cause Rape

Asha Mirje has since backtracked.

So much for sisterly support. Asha Mirje, an Indian politician who sits on a government panel for women, said women are “responsible to an extent” for rape and partially cause it to occur because of their “clothing and behavior.” She also said women sometimes choose to be at an “inappropriate place,” referring to a photojournalist who was gang-raped on assignment at “an isolated spot at 6 pm.” Mirjie quickly faced fire from fellow government officials and womens right groups. She has partially apologized, saying, " I was not blaming the women for rape. I had said that since we are in period of transition, we have to be extra cautious."