IBJ reclaims justice for wrongly accused mother
IBJ reclaims justice for wrongly accused mother
The last month of pregnancy can be one of the most difficult and vulnerable moments in a woman’s life. Grace, 35 from the D.R.C, was thrilled to welcome her new child. Little did she know what her neighbors, who were not on good terms with her, were plotting. They paid a young boy to steal plates and to falsely accuse Grace of being the culprit.
The last month of pregnancy can be one of the most difficult and vulnerable moments in a woman’s life. Grace, 35 from the D.R.C, was thrilled to welcome her new child. Little did she know what her neighbors, who were not on good terms with her, were plotting. They paid a young boy to steal plates and to falsely accuse Grace of being the culprit.
Police burst into Grace’s home – they searched everywhere, but did not find any stolen items. Despite the absence of any evidence, they threw her into their car and took her straight to the police station. She was denied access to a lawyer during her interrogation and was transferred to Bukavu Central Prison, more than 45 km away from her home. She was pushed into solitary confinement and could not even keep in contact, let alone see, her family. Her eight other children were left motherless, and all responsibilities now burdened her husband.
Police burst into Grace’s home – they searched everywhere, but did not find any stolen items. Despite the absence of any evidence, they threw her into their car and took her straight to the police station. She was denied access to a lawyer during her interrogation and was transferred to Bukavu Central Prison, more than 45 km away from her home. She was pushed into solitary confinement and could not even keep in contact, let alone see, her family. Her eight other children were left motherless, and all responsibilities now burdened her husband.
Frightened and alone, she gave birth in the most horrific and unsanitary conditions imaginable. Miraculously, both she and the baby survived.
Frightened and alone, she gave birth in the most horrific and unsanitary conditions imaginable. Miraculously, both she and the baby survived.
She was forgotten for 6 months in that cell, all the while keeping her new-born alive. While she was in prison, she discovered that her husband, the sole caregiver for her other children, had died unexpectedly. Her other children were orphaned and Grace was helpless to be able to support or care for them after their father’s death. She was also prohibited from attending his funeral.
She was forgotten for 6 months in that cell, all the while keeping her new-born alive. While she was in prison, she discovered that her husband, the sole caregiver for her other children, had died unexpectedly. Her other children were orphaned and Grace was helpless to be able to support or care for them after their father’s death. She was also prohibited from attending his funeral.
When IBJ learned about Grace’s story, we immediately took action. The DRCBJ lawyers learned that, because of the false testimony of the young boy, she had been charged with a crime punishable by death. DRCBJ’s lawyer won the case, demonstrating Grace’s innocence and the injustice of her conviction.
When IBJ learned about Grace’s story, we immediately took action. The DRCBJ lawyers learned that, because of the false testimony of the young boy, she had been charged with a crime punishable by death. DRCBJ’s lawyer won the case, demonstrating Grace’s innocence and the injustice of her conviction.
