In an unprecedented show of global solidarity, protests will take place across various cities around the world this Sunday, seeking justice for the tragic incident at RG Kar Medical College. The protests, triggered by the rape and murder of a female medical student, have galvanized expatriates and local citizens alike, transcending borders and rallying people from different corners of the globe. Demonstrations have been planned in cities as far-reaching as New York, London, São Paulo, Tokyo, Melbourne, Singapore, and Taipei.
What stands out in this movement is its decentralized nature—there is no formal organizer or organization leading the charge. Instead, it appears that the initiative has been spearheaded by expatriate Bengalis living across the world, using social media to coordinate and unite. A yellow poster circulating online has served as the rallying cry, featuring the words “Storm Over the World, Justice for RG”, in bold Roman letters. The protest has been dubbed “Global Protest,” or Antorjatik Bikalpo Andolon (International Protest) in Bengali.
Worldwide Protests: A Global Chain for Justice
The movement is set to take place in over 70 cities, including major urban centers like Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Dallas, Boston, and New York. In Europe, the call for justice will reverberate in London, Manchester, Liverpool, Lancashire, Paris, Berlin, Copenhagen, and Madrid. Across these cities, protests will commence at 5 p.m. local time, with several locations organizing human chains to further symbolize unity and solidarity.
While some political activists and supporters of opposition parties are expected to participate, the protests remain a largely civilian-led movement, untethered to any political ideology. The rallying cries of justice echo across generations and social groups, with young women in particular playing a crucial role by forming neighborhood groups to spread awareness and mobilize action.
Kolkata: The Epicenter of Mass Movements
Kolkata, a city with a rich history of mass protests, finds itself once again at the heart of this global outcry. The streets of the city have seen waves of unrest since the incident occurred, as junior doctors and medical students have consistently led protests demanding justice for the victim. These protests, however, are not limited to spontaneous gatherings; a more organized form of resistance has also emerged in the form of “street courts.”
The Street Courts: People’s Justice Before the Supreme Court
The agitating junior doctors have called for public participation in a unique form of protest: a “people’s court” or janata adalat, where ordinary citizens are invited to voice their opinions on the case. This street court comes in anticipation of the Supreme Court hearing scheduled for Monday, where the RG Kar case will be discussed. Before the formal legal proceedings, junior doctors are keen to involve the masses and collect their perspectives, highlighting the fact that this is not merely a legal battle, but a deeply emotional and public issue.
During the “people’s court,” a series of questions will be posed to the participants to gauge their views on the case, as well as their expectations from the judicial process. This form of protest taps into the collective consciousness of the city, amplifying the voices of those who seek justice in their own way.
A Movement Beyond Borders
The case of RG Kar Medical College has touched a nerve globally, symbolizing not just one tragic incident but the broader issues of gender-based violence and systemic injustice. The fact that people are gathering in countries as diverse as the United States, United Kingdom, Brazil, Japan, Australia, Taiwan, and Singapore is a testament to the universal resonance of this cause.
The protests, set to sweep across time zones and continents, serve as a powerful reminder of the strength of collective action. As people form human chains and take to the streets with banners and slogans, the world will be watching. The demand for justice in the RG Kar case has united people from all walks of life, proving once again that the call for justice knows no borders, race, or nationality.
This Sunday, as cities around the world echo with the chants of “Justice for RG,” the world will witness a rare moment of global unity in the face of injustice. Only time will tell how this massive wave of protests will impact the legal proceedings, but one thing is certain—the demand for justice has never been louder or more widespread.
