Debates of the European Parliament

SITTING OF THURSDAY, 13 MARCH 2003

Nigeria: case of Amina Lawal

Karamanou (PSE). – (EL) Mr President, Commissioner, the subject of women sentenced to death by stoning in Nigeria, which has outraged public opinion worldwide, was debated here in the House last September. And yet, Commissioner, ours was a voice crying in the wilderness.

Amina Lawal, the unfortunate woman who committed the heinous crime of believing that she has a right of self-determination over her own body, is due to appear before the Sharia court of appeal on 25 March. Under Islamic law, she is guilty of treason. How can this happen in the 21st century and be ignored by the powers that be on the planet? What a pity the Commissioner is not listening. How, Commissioner, can women’s fundamental freedoms and rights be so violently, so rudely infringed, and be left to lobbying by women’s organisations, public opinion and the media? What has the political leadership of the European Union done, what have the Commission and the Council done? What sanctions have we imposed on Nigeria, a country with which we have economic and commercial ties? What purpose do clauses about respecting women’s human rights in the Cotonou Agreement serve, Commissioner, if there are no sanctions? Finally, does Nigeria have a secular, democratic regime or a theocracy? Does the country have a government or is it ruled by mullahs?