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CNN Live At Daybreak
Muslim Mother Appeals Adultery Death Sentence
Aired September 25, 2003 - 05:40 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL LIN, CNN ANCHOR: Well a Nigerian woman condemned to die by stoning is awaiting her fate. Her crime, having a baby out of wedlock. An Islamic court is expected to make a ruling on her appeal today.
Our Jeff Koinange is at the court in the Nigerian town of Katsina, and he joins us now on the telephone.
Jeff, what is the reaction now out there?
JEFF KOINANGE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well right now the proceedings have literally just begun, Carol, about 10 minutes ago. These five panel of judges just walking to the tiny, little packed room which seats about 40 people. There's at least twice that many in there. And standing outside there's heavily armed police in both -- with both assault rifles and antiriot gear anticipating any kind of troubles. But the crowd unlaunched (ph) and not as anticipated.
The defendant walked in about 20 minutes before court proceedings. And through her interpreter, we asked how she felt. She says I am fine, I am well, but these cameras are a little overwhelming. Talking about the media coverage that's here, and there's quite a bit of that, Carol.
Also, the defense team walked in shortly after that. We asked one of her leading defense lawyers how she felt about this day and she answered in one word, she said hopeful. And that's the general feeling right here. People want to get on with their lives at this state (ph). It's been two years, Carol, as you well know, this woman's life has literally been put on hold. She wants to know her fate, that she's going to learn her fate in the coming hours now.
LIN: Jeff, what about the father of the child, I mean is there any penalty for him?
KOINANGE: None whatsoever, Carol. According to Sharia Law, if a man has three witnesses to back his side of the story, he can be let go. And that's exactly what happened to the father in this case. He had his three witnesses, they testified for him and he was let go.
So the victim right now, the accused, Amina Lawal, facing death by stoning. And in this case, she will be put in a pit up to her neck and rocks thrown at her head until declared dead, if the sentence is upheld today -- Carol.
LIN: And our hearts go out to that child. All right, we'll find out what happens soon. Jeff Koinange, report in as soon as you hear anything. Thank you very much.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
Aired September 25, 2003 - 05:40 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL LIN, CNN ANCHOR: Well a Nigerian woman condemned to die by stoning is awaiting her fate. Her crime, having a baby out of wedlock. An Islamic court is expected to make a ruling on her appeal today.
Our Jeff Koinange is at the court in the Nigerian town of Katsina, and he joins us now on the telephone.
Jeff, what is the reaction now out there?
JEFF KOINANGE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well right now the proceedings have literally just begun, Carol, about 10 minutes ago. These five panel of judges just walking to the tiny, little packed room which seats about 40 people. There's at least twice that many in there. And standing outside there's heavily armed police in both -- with both assault rifles and antiriot gear anticipating any kind of troubles. But the crowd unlaunched (ph) and not as anticipated.
The defendant walked in about 20 minutes before court proceedings. And through her interpreter, we asked how she felt. She says I am fine, I am well, but these cameras are a little overwhelming. Talking about the media coverage that's here, and there's quite a bit of that, Carol.
Also, the defense team walked in shortly after that. We asked one of her leading defense lawyers how she felt about this day and she answered in one word, she said hopeful. And that's the general feeling right here. People want to get on with their lives at this state (ph). It's been two years, Carol, as you well know, this woman's life has literally been put on hold. She wants to know her fate, that she's going to learn her fate in the coming hours now.
LIN: Jeff, what about the father of the child, I mean is there any penalty for him?
KOINANGE: None whatsoever, Carol. According to Sharia Law, if a man has three witnesses to back his side of the story, he can be let go. And that's exactly what happened to the father in this case. He had his three witnesses, they testified for him and he was let go.
So the victim right now, the accused, Amina Lawal, facing death by stoning. And in this case, she will be put in a pit up to her neck and rocks thrown at her head until declared dead, if the sentence is upheld today -- Carol.
LIN: And our hearts go out to that child. All right, we'll find out what happens soon. Jeff Koinange, report in as soon as you hear anything. Thank you very much.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
