Video: Indian gang-rape suspects appear in court: protesters say they should not be defended by lawyers The five, who could face the death penalty if convicted, are charged with kidnap, robbery and conspiracy over the attack on December 16 that sparked mass protests in India and soul-searching about levels of violence against women. The magistrate hearing the case ordered that their first appearance in court take place behind closed doors. Angry protesters gathered outside the court and shouted angry slogans, vowing that they would not allow any lawyer to defend the accused. One lawyer, V K Anand, said that he had filed an application and appealed to the court to give the suspects the right to be defended in court: "Hang them by all means - if they are proved guilty, but they should at least be given a fair chance. The accused can't be prosecuted simply on the basis of public sentiment.