Stoned to death for adultery...

[tcpip]

I don't like the death penalty under any circumstances. But this sort of behaviour really makes my blood boil... "Cultural relativism" indeed!

AMNINA LAWAL SET TO BE STONED ON 3RD JUNE

The Nigerian Supreme Court has upheld the death sentence for Amina Lawal, condemned for the crime of adultery on August 19th 2002, to be buried up to her neck and stoned to death.



Her death was postponed so that she could continue to nurse her baby. Execution is now set for June 3rd. If you haven't been following this case, you might like to know that Amina's baby is regarded as the 'evidence' of her adultery. The father denied everything when he realised the trouble he was in. To find out more about sharia law, see http://www.guardian.co.uk/theissues/article/0,6512,777972,00.html

Amina's case is being handled by the Spanish branch of Amnesty International, which is attempting to put together enough signatures to make the Nigerian government rescind the death sentence. A similar campaign saved another Nigerian woman, Safiya, condemned in similar circumstances.

By March 4th the petition had amassed over 2,600,000 signatures. It will only take you a few seconds to sign Amnesty's online petition. (instructions for Spanish below) Go to the web page http://www.amnistiaporsafiya.org

Enter your first name in the space marked "nombre", last name ("apellidos"), county ("provincia"), > country, and In the drop down box pick Reino Unido (United Kingdom) [or other appropriate nation-state]. Then click on "Seguir" and go to the second page. There you have the option of entering your email address if you wish to receive follow-up information. In any case, be sure to click on "aceptar" to have your name added to the petition list. Please sign the petition now, then copy this message into a new email and send it! to everyone in your address book.

Comments

Sick!!!

[angel80.livejournal.com]

I recall the Nigerian government giving assurances that it would not be allowed to happen. Perhaps that was only while they were trying to convince the Miss World people to stick in there.

I'm surprised by the Supreme Court, it was they who knocked out the death penalty against Safiya.

Re: Sick!!!

[tcpip.livejournal.com]

I've just done a search on the Amnesty International website and it seems that that your fears are accurate (i.e, the assurances were short-term).

http://web.amnesty.org/library/index/ENGAFR440172002

http://web.amnesty.org/library/index/ENGAFR440222002

Re: Sick!!!

[angel80.livejournal.com]

It was only a Sharia court. She still has the High Court in Abuja and the Federal Supreme Court to go. One of them will get her out of it because it is against the Nigerian constitution. The only glitch will be if the recent electoral farce causes the northern barbarians to begin defying the federal system. If you don't like Obasanjo, just wait until the others get a run at it!