I have long found the US version of judicial justice and the dismal prison system here reprehensible, to the point that I will not serve as a juror. Strip searches are bad but just the tip of the iceberg in the US. Prison rape, three strikes you're out, 1000 year sentences and the power of money to buy lawyers and verdicts all bespeak a dystopic justice system. The issue of the strip search here is interesting because it raises the issue of what is accepted standard treatment, according even to the Supreme Court. It doesn't seem to register with some Americans how abysmal this is. They are only concerned it be applied equally to all. How American.
The objection from India in this case, or at least one thread seems to be more about the expectation of privilege accorded to the powerful. Ironically the recipient in this instance is a women and a Dalit, two groups in India that have historically suffered because of their inferior status.
I agree with those that lament that many of the Indian protests fail to acknowledge the allegedly criminal treatment this maid endured, long hours, unlawful, sub minimum wages, no paid days off and of course the matter of the alleged misstatements by Khobrogade regarding the visa.
I also suspect that India's own justice system is out of balance in favor of the powerful, perhaps even more than in the US. The recent rape cases in India and the initial reaction of the authorities has been telling, often victimizing the victim.
Finally I can't help but wonder if Dominique Strauss Kahn was treated to a similar experience upon his arrest for rape allegations by an immigrant hotel maid in NYC a few years ago.
I have long found the US version of judicial justice and the dismal prison system here reprehensible, to the point that I will not serve as a juror. Strip searches are bad but just the tip of the iceberg in the US. Prison rape, three strikes you're out, 1000 year sentences and the power of money to buy lawyers and verdicts all bespeak a dystopic justice system. The issue of the strip search here is interesting because it raises the issue of what is accepted standard treatment, according even to the Supreme Court. It doesn't seem to register with some Americans how abysmal this is. They are only concerned it be applied equally to all. How American.
The objection from India in this case, or at least one thread seems to be more about the expectation of privilege accorded to the powerful. Ironically the recipient in this instance is a women and a Dalit, two groups in India that have historically suffered because of their inferior status.
I agree with those that lament that many of the Indian protests fail to acknowledge the allegedly criminal treatment this maid endured, long hours, unlawful, sub minimum wages, no paid days off and of course the matter of the alleged misstatements by Khobrogade regarding the visa.
I also suspect that India's own justice system is out of balance in favor of the powerful, perhaps even more than in the US. The recent rape cases in India and the initial reaction of the authorities has been telling, often victimizing the victim.
Finally I can't help but wonder if Dominique Strauss Kahn was treated to a similar experience upon his arrest for rape allegations by an immigrant hotel maid in NYC a few years ago.