Death penalty not permanent solution in rape cases: Nasreen

"Death penalty will not be a permanent solution. If you have a strong patriarchal society, where women are treated as sex objects, child bearing machine and inferior human beings, then you cannot stop rapes on streets," said Nasreen, who was in the Capital to attend the Delhi International Film Festival.

"Women should be educated, they should stand on their feet and should get financial freedom. Death penalty will not stop this problem. Change in the mindset of women and men is required," she said.

The incident on the night of December 16 has sparked nation wide protests with public demanding strict laws for women's safety.

Nasreen, who visited protesters at India Gate, said she was happy to see women turning out in big numbers to voice their anger.

"I visited the place of protest today and it is so shameful that police are beating up the protesters instead of rapists. But I am happy that women have finally woken up and are raising their voice," said Nasreen.