Death by stoning?

Do countries really have the right to sentence women to death because they had a baby out of wedlock? Most nations would choose to think of it as a personal choice. If the mother is brave enough to face society as an unwed mother, the law rightly feels it has little or no place in this decision. Right?

Evidently not. A Nigerian woman has been sentenced to death by stoning recently. Amina Lawal received her sentence stoically. She had expected it.

But people around the world are shocked by the events in Nigeria. Various organisations around the world have taken up cudgels on behalf of the young lady. It is commonly felt that the punishment is in far excess of the so-called crime. Most countries would not even view an illegitimate baby as a crime.

Should not such a penal code be declared unconstitutional and unlawful?

If adultery is a crime, why was the father of the child allowed to go scot-free? Why are men always considered innocent in such situations? It does take two to make a baby!

Is the judgement in tune with the Nigerian Constitution? More importantly, isn't it against human rights, women's rights?

Don't the international laws have anything against such forms of torture?

Can the Nigerian government really afford to turn a blind eye to such atrocities within the country?

Can the world body afford to turn away and not do anything about such blatant forms of torture?

Doesn't the victim have a right to appeal to a higher judiciary?

Can the death sentence ever be applied to non-violent acts? Can sex, between two consenting adults, ever be a violent crime?

Isn't it time the world body raised its voice in protest and prevent this cruel execution from taking place?