The case marks the first time jail time has been ordered for an FGM conviction in the country.
ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast (AP) — An Ivory Coast official says nine women have been sentenced to two years in prison each for involvement in female genital mutilation, marking the first time such a case results in jail time in the West African nation.
Justice ministry official Jean-Luc Molo said Friday courts previously convicted defendants for genital mutilation but pressure from local communities hindered them from imposing prison sentences.
He said the women from the northern town of Katiola were found guilty of carrying out the genital mutilation on a "groups of young girls" over an extended period. He could not provide an exact number of victims or their age.
Female circumcision is banned in Ivory Coast since 1998 but the practice remains widespread. The United Nations say the practice violates fundamental human rights and endangers girls' health.
BET Global News - Your source for Black news from around the world, including international politics, health and human rights, the latest celebrity news and more. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.
Videos You May Like
-
Let's Stay Together Exclusive: Wade Davis on... Clip (5/17/2013)
-
106 & Park Guest Rewind: The 3 Kings Clip (5/17/2013)
-
Let's Stay Together Exclusive: Alfonso Ribeiro... Clip (5/17/2013)
-
106 & Park Guest Rewind: Super Group TGT... Clip (5/17/2013)
-
News Blacks Brace for Social Security... Clip (5/17/2013)
-
Wendy Williams Highlights: You’re Hired! Clip (5/17/2013)
-
Celebrities Out and About: Zoe Saldana's... Clip (5/17/2013)
-
106 & Park Backstage: Wayne Brady Keeps It... Clip (5/16/2013)
-
106 & Park Backstage: Eve Makes a Comeback... Clip (5/16/2013)
-
Wendy Williams Highlights: Eve's Back to the Music Clip (5/16/2013)
-
106 & Park Guest Rewind: Surprise, It’s... Clip (5/15/2013)
-
106 & Park Highlights: Movie Time With 106... Clip (5/15/2013)
-
Celebrities Zoe Saldana on “Star Trek,” Race... Clip (5/15/2013)
-
Celebrities Zoe Saldana on Nina Simone... Clip (5/15/2013)
-
106 & Park The Backroom: Astro Kid Clip (5/15/2013)
-
106 & Park Guest Rewind: Wayne Brady Got... Clip (5/15/2013)
-
106 & Park Guest Rewind: Lip Lock With Eve... Clip (5/15/2013)
-
106 & Park Wild Out Wednesday: Made 2 Last Clip (5/15/2013)
-
106 & Park Wild Out Wednesday: Otis Marlon Clip (5/15/2013)
-
The Game Exclusives: Episode 608 — The... Clip (5/15/2013)
(Photo: SIA KAMBOU/AFP/GettyImages)
On Facebook
On Twitter
