Monday, October 28, 2002
Death sentence of an unmarried Nigerian woman affects Miss World pageant in Nigeria
A story released today by the Associated Press reports that Panama has decided not to send a contestant to the Miss World pageant in Nigeria, joining several nations protesting the death sentence against an unmarried Nigerian woman for having a child out of wedlock.
Yocelin Sanchez, who was chosen last month to represent the Central American nation, said Monday that she would not attend as "a way to demonstrate her rejection'' of a death-by-stoning sentence against Amina Lawal, 31.
Costa Rica, Spain, France, Kenya, Denmark, Belgium, Switzerland and South Africa have decided not to send their contestants over the issue.
