Following the rejection of the clemency pleas of the 3 Tamils convicted for their alleged part in the assassination of the Rajiv Gandhi, a final date of execution has been confirmed: Friday 9th September 2011.
The confirmation on date comes amidst increasing public outrage at India's decision to uphold capital punishment in this case.
Three city advocates began a fast unto death today, in front of the Madras High Court, demanding clemency for the 3 Tamils. The advocates Kayalvizhi, Vadivambal and Sujatha also seek the abolition of capital punishment in India.
Rajiv Ghandi was assassinated in 1991 by a female suicide bomber said to be from the LTTE.
The three Tamils currently facing execution - Murugan, Santhan and Perarivalan (known by single names) - were amongst 26 people sentenced to death by a special court in 1998 for their alleged involvement.
Human rights groups and activists have long also criticised the original trial and investigation as deeply flawed, highlighting the use of torture to elicit confessions.
See here for more details on the case.
