Protests in Toronto, Ottawa over Delhi gang-rape incident

TORONTO: Protesters expressing solidarity with the 23-year-old gang-rape victim in Delhi have held rallies in the Canadian cities of Toronto and Ottawa, and demanded speedy justice for the deceased.

Dozens of protesters marched in silence to the Indian consulate here yesterday carrying placards that read "R.I.P Brave-heart" and "We will not let your sacrifice go in vain".

They handed over a letter to an Indian consulate official addressed to the President of India demanding quick action.

Kalpana Pareek, who co-organised the protest, said the consulate official promised her that the letter -- which was signed by over 300 people -- would be sent to President Pranab Mukherjee.

"A culture of silence and shame in India leads many women to fear reporting sexual crimes," Kalpana was quoting as saying by The Star.com.

Meanwhile, a candlelight vigil was also held in Ottawa, Canada's capital, in memory of the gang-rape victim.

Braving chilly weathers with temperatures as low as -26 degrees, about 100 people turned out for the candlelight vigil for the victim on Parliament Hill, Toronto Sun reported.