Seanad debates
Thursday, 10 April 2003
Order of Business.
Mr. Leyden: Let us consider the case of Amina Lawal who was sentenced to be stoned by the courts in Nigeria for having a child out of wedlock. She has been successful in getting a lawyer to represent her and proceed with the appeal. The imposition of such a sentence breaks all international codes and laws. Perhaps the conflict in Iraq is attracting all the attention of the media around the world but the plight of Amina Lawal is very important. Ireland has had very close links with Nigeria, perhaps too close in the recent past, and should withdraw all support for that country if it proceeds with the stoning and murder of this young lady. The stoning, if proceeded with, will break the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention against Torture. The young lady in question now has a child and because she is breast-feeding—
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