Madam, - I am writing in response to a recent letter on this page which suggested Amina Lawal was due to be executed by stoning in Katsina State, Nigeria on June 3rd. As a result, we have been contacted by many concerned members of the public who share our concern for the fate of Amina Lawal and four others who face execution for similar "offences". The information quoted was mistaken and I would like to clarify the current position.
Amina Lawal's case is currently under appeal at the Sharia Court of Appeal in Katsina State, Nigeria. The date for the next hearing is June 3rd. Amina is not in detention and has excellent legal representation, including prominent women lawyers and senior Nigerian Advocates. She is being supported by a coalition of Nigerian women's groups and human rights groups. Amnesty International is in close touch with these groups.
Amnesty International respects the judicial process. We understand that Amina Lawal's right to legal representation, right to fair trial and right to appeal are guaranteed at present. If the appeal fails, the case could go to the federal courts, the Federal Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.
If the sentence is still in place at the end of this process, we can urge President Obasanjo to quash the sentence. The prerogative of mercy is a political, not judicial decision and the president can only exercise it only when all judicial processes have been exhausted.
Amnesty's campaign on new Sharia penal legislations and punishments which carry the death penalty and cruel, inhuman, and degrading punishments is wider than Amina Lawal and our aim is to achieve changes in a system which makes use of punishments which are in clear breach of international standards.
Your readers can find updates on Amina Lawal's case and other similar cases on Amnesty's website, www.amnesty.ie. - Yours, etc.,
JIM LOUGHRAN,
Campaign and Research
Manager,
Amnesty International
Irish Section,
Fleet Street,
Dublin 2.