By Noela EBOB BISONG
In an April 3 Press Release, the Social Democratic Front SDF party has demanded justice over the killing of Diane Yangwo, who died following physical violence meted by her spouse.
Following the verdict delivered by the Wouri High Court last April 1 on the case, the SDF expresses outrage on what it terms a ‘lenient verdict”.
According to verdict, the spouse of the deceased, Bekobe Eric was handed a five-year suspended sentence with a fine of FCFA 52,000.
Diane Yango passed away on November 18, 2023.
According to the press release signed by Sen. Honoré NGAM,
SDF Shadow Minister of Justice, the party says, “Our exasperation over this controversial verdict is informed by the fact that the accused, Bekobe Eric, pleaded guilty at the trial and the autopsy report revealed that the deceased, Diane Yangwo died as a result of physical violence.”
According to the party, “While our Penal Code provides severe penalties under such circumstances, it is incomprehensible that such a lenient verdict be handed at a time when domestic violence resulting in fatalities is on an alarming rise across the country.”
The Press Release furthers that, “In light of past and recent incidents involving spousal assaults and killings, we strongly implore judicial officers to ensure that perpetrators of domestic violence be severely punished.”
The SDF says, “It is our firm conviction that these incidents will continue if adequate judicial steps are not taken to put a halt to these assaults. We urge the legal department to take appropriate and swift remedial action to ensure that justice is served in the Diane Yangwo matter. This is not only to honor her memory but also to serve as a deterrent against potential perpetrators of acts of domestic violence and spousal abuse.”