[mobglob-discuss] Canada must intercede to save AMINA LAWAL

[Alan Ward]

Right Hon. Jean Chretien
Prime Minister of Canada
Room 309-S, Centre Block
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6

    Telephone: 613-992-4211 - Fax: 613-941-6900  - Email: pm at pm.gc.ca

Dear Mr. Prime Minister,

AMINA LAWAL IS SET TO BE STONED TO DEATH ON 3RD JUNE 2003. The Nigerian
Supreme Court upheld the death sentence imposed on Amina Lawal for adultery,
on August 19th 2002.  She is to be buried up to her neck and stoned to
death. We are informed that her execution was postponed to June 3rd. so that
she could continue to nurse her baby, the 'evidence' of her adultery.
Canada must step in to prevent the consummation of this atrocity.

The Spanish branch of Amnesty International is attempting to put together
enough signatures to make the Nigerian government rescind the death
sentence.  Amnesty is animated by the fact that a similar campaign saved
another Nigerian woman, Safiya, condemned under similar circumstances.
Canada must use its diplomatic powers to come to Lawal's aid.  Furthermore,
Canada must begin a worldwide campaign to end state-imposed norms of private
personal conduct and the consequent immolation of women.

We hope that Canada's humanitarian tradition will grow to embrace Amina
Lawal.

Yours sincerely,
ON BEHALF OF THE VANCOUVER-KINGSWAY NDP EXECUTIVE

Alicia Barsallo  (604-879-3246)      Sylvia Dodd  (604-255-6776)

Sharon Hager (604-435-7373)       Arlene Schimmelpfennig (604-219-9243)

Andy Haggerty (604-435-7926)      Andrew Adler (604-224-1249)