28 September 2002

His Excellency Kanu Godwin Agabi,
Minister of Justice, Ministry of Justice,
New Federal Secretariat complex Shehu Shagari Way,
Abuja,
Federal Capital Territory,
Nigeria;

To His Excellency Kanu Godwin Agabi,

I am appalled by the recent events concerning the Nigerian woman, Amina Lawal

Parents Centre New Zealand believes that all women are entitled to a life without persecution. We are disgusted by the inhumane treatment perpetuated by your Government.

We believe that the Nigerian constitution guarantees the right to life and to freedom from torture and inhuman and degrading punishments and the right to a fair trial.

We strongly urge you and Nigerian authorities to reconsider and abide by their constitution. Consensual sex is not a violent act. The only violent act surrounding this case is the brutality of stoning this mother of a young child to death.

We implore you to reconsider this barbaric sentence and allow Amina Lawal the freedom and dignity to raise her child as a loving parent.

Yours sincerely

Sue Fitzmaurice Chief Executive Parents Centre New Zealand