Cape Verde Convicts Six for FGM on Sal Island
A court on Sal Island, Cape Verde, has handed down significant prison sentences to six foreign nationals convicted of performing female genital mutilation (FGM) and practicing medicine illegally, the Attorney General’s Office (PGR) announced on Monday.
Severe Sentence for Ringleader
The primary defendant, a native of Guinea-Conakry who also holds Cape Verdean citizenship, received the harshest penalty. The court found him guilty of 12 counts of female genital mutilation and one count of the illegal practice of medicine. While the individual sentences for each charge totaled over 30 years, he was handed a concurrent sentence of 14 years of effective imprisonment.
In addition to his jail time, the court ordered the lead defendant to pay 350,000 escudos (approximately €3,175) in compensation to each of the children victimized by the procedures.
Suspended Sentences and Mandatory Restitution
Five other defendants were also sentenced for their roles in the crimes, with the court utilizing a mix of prison time and suspended sentences linked to victim restitution.
- A native of Guinea-Bissau was convicted of four counts of FGM. He received a single concurrent sentence of five years in prison, which was suspended.
- Four other defendants—two from Senegal, one from Guinea-Conakry, and one from Guinea-Bissau—were convicted of two counts of FGM each. They received suspended sentences of three years.
Conditions of Probation
The suspension of these sentences is strictly conditional. To remain out of prison, the defendants must pay 200,000 escudos (approximately €1,815) in compensation to each victim. These funds must be placed in bank accounts opened specifically in the names of the minors. Furthermore, the defendants are required to present the children to the Sal Island hospital for comprehensive clinical evaluations and ongoing medical follow-up to address the physical and psychological impact of the mutilations.
The ruling marks a significant step in Cape Verde’s judicial efforts to combat FGM and protect the rights of children within its borders.
Image: Pexels – KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA
