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Shaheen Malik: An acid attack survivor’s fight for justice and dignity

A recent petition submitted to India’s highest court by Malik seeks to extend the coverage of disability law to include survivors who have been forcibly administered acid.

A warning is necessary: the details of this story are disturbing and may be upsetting to some readers.

A woman is wearing a blue and white dress. The left part of her face has scars and looks disfigured due to an acid attack.
Shaheen Malik has undergone 25 surgeries after she was attacked with acid in 2009

Shaheen Malik, a prominent disability rights activist and acid-attack survivor in India, is waging a battle for justice and rehabilitation on behalf of others who have suffered similar ordeals, refusing to be deterred by the significant challenges she faces.

In a horrific incident of domestic violence in 2019, Ruman's* husband allegedly assaulted her and forced her to consume acid, leaving her with severe internal injuries.

The attack resulted in Ruman undergoing a complex procedure to artificially reconstruct her oesophagus, enabling her to eat, albeit with great difficulty.

Years of treatment have not alleviated Ruman's struggles, as she continues to experience significant difficulty swallowing food and has seen her weight plummet to just 21kg, a weight more typical of a child, at the age of 28; even mundane tasks, such as using the bathroom, exhaust her and necessitate constant medical supervision.

Despite her precarious condition, Ruman is currently unable to access compensation and rehabilitative benefits afforded to acid attack survivors under Indian disability law.

The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, enacted in 2016, only acknowledges as victims those individuals who have suffered visible disfigurement resulting from acid or similar substances being thrown at them, thereby excluding those forced to ingest such substances.

In a recent petition to the Supreme Court, Shaheen Malik argued that the law must be amended to include survivors like Ruman, who have suffered greatly, albeit with less visible scars.

Malik emphasized that the challenges faced by survivors of forced acid ingestion are no less daunting, as they often struggle to breathe, speak, and eat, despite undergoing numerous surgeries.

At 42, Shaheen Malik has dedicated over a decade to advocating for the rights of acid attack survivors, driven, in part, by her own experiences as a survivor.

In 2009, Malik was attacked with acid outside her workplace in Haryana, resulting in the loss of vision in her left eye and necessitating 25 surgeries; at the time, she was in her 20s and working as a student counsellor.

Following a 16-year legal battle, a trial court ultimately acquitted her perpetrators in December, a verdict Malik has challenged, expressing devastation but not defeat.

Malik's resolve to seek justice has expanded beyond her own case, as she now fights for the rights of other survivors and victims of abuse, hoping to set a precedent for accountability.

In 2021, Malik, alongside fellow acid attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal, established the Brave Souls Foundation, a non-profit organization providing legal and economic support to survivors, many of whom have been ostracized by their families and society.

An extremely thin and gaunt-looking woman sits on a bed with a mattress pulled over her legs.
Priyanka* who was forced to ingest acid weighs just 25kg and is a member of Malik's foundation

The foundation operates a shelter home in Delhi, where approximately 50 survivors, including Ruman, reside, receiving care and assistance, as they often have nowhere else to turn.

The foundation is also providing Ruman with support as she navigates the legal system, following her husband's appeal against his conviction and subsequent release on bail.

Malik notes that she and Ruman are among hundreds of survivors engaged in a protracted and arduous struggle for justice, hindered by a dismally low conviction rate and a backlog of cases languishing in courts.

A 2024 report analyzing data from 2017-2021 revealed that, out of 600 pending cases in 2021, a mere 15 were resolved by the courts.

This trend is corroborated by the latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report, which indicates that, of the 703 cases pending trial in 2023, only 43 were disposed of, with convictions secured in 16 cases.

Meanwhile, the incidence of acid attacks in India continues to rise, with the NCRB recording 176 cases in 2021, 202 in 2022, and 207 in 2023.

In response to Malik's petition, the Supreme Court has directed all states to submit annual reports detailing acid attack cases, including those resolved and pending, as well as rehabilitation schemes offered to victims, with a specific focus on those forced to ingest acid.

The court strongly condemned acid attacks, advocating for "extraordinary punitive measures," such as the seizure and auction of attackers' assets to compensate their victims.

The judges also urged the federal government to consider legislative reforms, including shifting the burden of proof from the victim to the accused.

While welcoming the Supreme Court's observations and directives, Malik emphasizes the need for effective implementation of existing laws, alongside any potential reforms.

She highlights the ongoing struggles of acid attack survivors in accessing affordable medical care, despite the legal mandate for private and public hospitals to provide free treatment, including reconstructive surgeries.

Acid attack survivors, many of them have scars on their faces, stand around Shaheen Malik.
Malik with members of the Brave Souls Foundation

Malik notes that many private hospitals refuse to admit acid attack survivors without a court order, resulting in delayed treatment, and often discontinue care mid-way, citing various excuses.

Furthermore, she expresses concern about the ease with which acid can still be purchased, despite existing regulations and the rising incidence of acid attacks.

Malik questions the government's response to the growing number of acid attacks, asking whether more should be done to prevent such incidents and support survivors.

As someone who has experienced the stigma and social isolation that often accompany acid attacks, Malik urges the government to take greater action to prevent further suffering and support those affected.

Malik's personal experiences have given her a deep understanding of the social isolation and stigma faced by acid attack survivors.

Recently, Malik was forced to relocate her foundation's office without being provided a reason, and has since struggled to find a new location, facing discrimination and prejudice.

Many people, she explains, are hesitant to rent to acid attack survivors, citing superstitions or discomfort with their appearance.

Undeterred, Malik remains committed to fighting for the rights and dignity of acid attack survivors, seeking to create a more inclusive and supportive society.

*Survivors have chosen to share only one name.

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Tottenham set to appoint temporary boss ahead of permanent summer hire

Tottenham expect to appoint an interim manager to oversee the team for the rest of the season by this weekend, with plans to make a permanent appointment in the summer.

The task of finding a successor to Thomas Frank has fallen to Johan Lange and Vinai Venkatesham, who are overseeing the selection process.

Tottenham Hotspur intends to appoint an interim manager to see out the current season, with a view to making a more permanent appointment during the summer months.

The dismissal of Thomas Frank occurred earlier this week, at a time when the team was five points clear of the relegation zone.

According to sources close to BBC Sport, Tottenham Hotspur is expected to finalize an agreement with an interim manager before the team resumes training on Monday.

Following their early exit from the FA Cup in the third round, Tottenham has a nine-day break before facing Arsenal in the north London derby on February 22.

With no match scheduled for this weekend, the first-team squad has been given a brief break and is set to return to training on Monday.

The club is aware that the mid-season transfer window presents limited options, and it may be more feasible to secure a long-term manager at the end of the campaign.

An in-depth examination of Thomas Frank's tenure reveals the challenges he faced in winning over players and fans.

A closer look at Frank's time at Tottenham highlights the risks involved in his appointment and the ultimate failure of his tenure.

Although the search for an interim manager is still ongoing, the successful candidate will be considered for the permanent position if they perform well in the role.

Former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino is a potential candidate to take the reins on a permanent basis, particularly since his contract with the US men's national team is set to expire after the World Cup this summer.

Another candidate being considered is Roberto De Zerbi, who recently parted ways with French club Marseille by mutual consent.

For the latest news, analysis, and fan perspectives on Tottenham, please refer to our dedicated section.

If you have any questions about Tottenham, feel free to ask and we will do our best to provide you with the information you are looking for.

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Aberdeen to unveil new manager soon with Docherty set to take assistant role

Aberdeen has bolstered its interim management team with the return of Tony Docherty, who previously served as an assistant manager, to support Peter Leven, amid anticipation of a permanent appointment announcement that sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel had indicated would be made “imminently”.

Ross County parted ways with Tony Docherty in December, and he has now taken on a new role.

Aberdeen have brought in former assistant manager Tony Docherty to support Peter Leven's interim management team, despite sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel indicating that a permanent appointment was imminent.

Docherty's return to Aberdeen comes just a week after Eirik Horneland, a former coach of Rosenborg, Brann, and Saint-Etienne, emerged as a top contender to succeed Jimmy Thelin, who was sacked earlier.

As Aberdeen delays making a full-time appointment, speculation surrounding Eirik Horneland's availability has arisen, with reports suggesting the 50-year-old Norwegian may not be able to take on the role until summer.

Since Jimmy Thelin's dismissal on January 4, Lutz Pfannenstiel has been leading the search for a replacement, and he confirmed that Tony Docherty would be joining the team to assist Peter Leven during the interim period.

Dundee Utd are facing a challenging schedule, with four matches in 14 days set to take place on a weather-affected pitch.

According to Stavrum, Eirik Horneland's coaching style, characterized by intensity, would be a good fit for Aberdeen.

Tony Docherty initially joined Aberdeen in 2013 as part of Derek McInnes' management team and spent eight years at the club.

Before his stint at Aberdeen, Docherty served as McInnes' assistant at Kilmarnock and later managed Dundee and Ross County, but his time at Ross County ended in December when he was let go with the team at the bottom of the Championship.

Lutz Pfannenstiel praised Tony Docherty's experience, stating that he has a deep understanding of the club and will be a valuable asset during the transition period.

Pfannenstiel highlighted Docherty's extensive knowledge of the Scottish Premiership, gained through his experience as both a coach and manager, which will be beneficial to the team in the short term.

The club's managerial search is nearing its conclusion, and an announcement regarding the new head coach is expected soon, according to Pfannenstiel.

Peter Leven, who is serving as caretaker manager for the third time, expressed his enthusiasm for Tony Docherty's appointment.

Leven welcomed Docherty's return, stating that his experience will be a significant boost to the team, particularly during the upcoming matches.

Leven noted that Docherty was eager to join the team and that his presence will provide valuable support during both training sessions and matches.

Eirik Horneland left his position at Saint-Etienne in early February, at which point his team was fourth in France's second tier.

If Aberdeen decides to wait until summer for Horneland to take over, it will be similar to the six-month delay that occurred when Jimmy Thelin joined the club from Elfsborg in the summer of 2024.

For the latest news, analysis, and fan perspectives on Aberdeen, visit our dedicated page.

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Peter Murrell faces allegations of misusing £459,000 in funds over 12 years

Allegations have been made that he bought various items, such as luxury goods, jewellery, cosmetics, two cars and a motorhome, in an improper manner.

Peter Murrell, the former chief executive of the Scottish National Party, is facing allegations of embezzling £459,000 from the party over a 12-year period.

Peter Murrell looking off to his right while sitting in a room. He is wearing a black suit, white shirt and dark coloured tie.
Peter Murrell is due to appear in court next Friday for a preliminary hearing

An indictment document obtained by BBC News outlines the case against Murrell, who is the estranged husband of former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

The alleged embezzlement is said to have occurred between August 2010 and January 2023, according to the indictment.

It is claimed that Murrell used party funds to purchase luxury items, including jewellery, cosmetics, and vehicles, such as two cars and a motorhome.

The Scottish Sun was the first to report on the details of the indictment.

A preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled to take place at the High Court in Glasgow on Friday, 20 February, where Murrell is expected to appear.

During his initial court appearance at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, Murrell made no plea and was subsequently granted bail.

Murrell's arrest in 2023 was part of Operation Branchform, a police investigation into the SNP's funding and finances, which led to him being charged with embezzlement in April 2024.

A police van and a police officer outside Murrell's home in April 2023.
Murrell was arrested in 2023 as part of a probe into the SNP's finances

Although Sturgeon was questioned by police as part of the investigation, she is no longer considered a suspect.

BBC News has obtained a copy of the indictment against Murrell ahead of his upcoming court appearance.

It is worth noting that the indictment is subject to change until the case is heard in court and may be amended throughout the judicial process.

The indictment alleges that Murrell purchased a £124,550 motorhome for personal use and created false documents to justify the expense as a legitimate party expenditure.

Murrell is also accused of using £57,500 of party funds to buy a Jaguar I-PACE car in 2019, and falsifying an invoice to conceal the true nature of the purchase.

Furthermore, it is alleged that when the Jaguar was sold in 2021, Murrell deposited more than £47,000 into his personal bank account.

The indictment also claims that Murrell embezzled £16,489 from the SNP to partially fund the purchase of a Volkswagen Golf in 2016.

A list of over 80 retailers is included in the indictment, where Murrell allegedly made purchases totalling more than £159,000 between 2014 and 2022, using party credit or charge cards for personal expenses.

The retailers named in the indictment include Harrods, the Royal Mint, John Lewis, Homebase, and Argos, among others.

It is alleged that Murrell used SNP credit or charge cards to make these purchases and then inserted false or inaccurate accounting codes and descriptions into the party's accounting systems.

The indictment also accuses Murrell of making purchases worth over £81,600 through Amazon using the same method.

Murrell served as the SNP's chief executive for 22 years before his departure.

Murrell and Sturgeon were married in 2010, but announced their separation in January 2025, after being together for many years.

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