Statement by Minister of State Kitt

Mr Tom Kitt TD, Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, today expressed the Government's deep concern over the case of Ms Amina Lawal, who has been sentenced to death by stoning for adultery by a Sharia court in the State of Katsina, northern Nigeria. Our concerns have been made known to the Government of Nigeria through its Embassy in Dublin. “We believe that the sentence imposed is contrary to Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which prohibits cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment.” He added that “we are working, both bilaterally and with our European partners, to ensure the safety of Ms Lawal.”

Minister of State Kitt welcomed the comments made by the Nigerian Justice Minister who condemned the sentence. The Irish Government will continue to monitor this case and looks forward to a speedy resolution.Top