Stoning: Amina appeal put off
2003-08-28 11:59
Abuja - An Islamic court will rule next month on an appeal launched by a Nigerian woman facing death by stoning for adultery, reports the media.
Amina Lawal, 31, was sentenced in March 2002 under Islamic shari'ah law to be stoned to death for having a baby two years after getting divorced.
She took her appeal to an Islamic court in the northern city of Katsina on Wednesday, cradling her 19-month-old daughter, Wasila, during proceedings.
The court adjourned its decision on the appeal until September 25.
Lawal's lawyers argued that shari'ah did not apply in her case because the alleged offence took place before Islamic law was introduced in the state of Katsina.
The court has already ruled that, regardless of the appeal results, her life will be spared until January 2004, when her daughter turns two.
Twelve states in predominantly Muslim northern Nigeria began implementing shari'ah in 2000.
Human rights groups and women's organisations in Nigeria and around the world have criticised the move, arguing that Islamic law discriminates against women and its punishments are barbaric.
Lawal's case sparked a worldwide letter-writing campaign demanding that the execution be stopped. - Sapa-DPA
- SAPA