COURT SENTENCES MAN TO DEATH BY HANGING FOR MURDER OF DOWN SYNDROME CHILD

A High Court sitting in Calabar, the Cross River State capital has sentenced one Ubong Badsey Etim to death by hanging for the murder of his 16-year old daughter,  Deborah Etim with down syndrome.

Down syndrome is a generic condition which alters how the body and brain develop,causing distinct physical features, learning challenges, and development delay. It occurs naturally and is lifelong but most  individuals lead full active lives.

In her judgement, the presiding judge of the court, Justice Blessing Egwu who found the defendant guilty of murder, sentenced him to death by hanging. The defendant had falsely accused his daughter of being a witch because of her condition, killing her in the process.

Speaking on the matter shortly after the judgement, the counsel and co-founder, Basic Right Counsel Initiative, Barr James I or said that Deborah’s tragic death has exposed the devastating consequences of witchcraft branding, a harmful practice that continues to endanger the lives of children, particularly those living with disabilities.

“Across many communities, false accusations of witchcraft have resulted rejection, torture, abandonment and even the killing of innocent children. Today’s judgement sends a strong message that such acts are criminal and that perpetrators would be held accountable under the law.

“This judgement is not only justice for Deborah,  it is also a significant milestone for the ongoing fight to end witchcraft branding and other harmful practices against children. It enforces the fundamental principles that every child has a right to life, dignity and protection”, he said