Bongani Ndlovu
Zimpapers Writer
BOTSWANA national Lesedi Molapisi has been released from prison in Bangladesh following concerted diplomatic efforts by her country to secure clemency after she was sentenced to death for drug smuggling.
Molapisi was arrested in Dhaka on 23 January 2022 after she was found in possession of narcotics and was subsequently convicted of a drug-smuggling offence.
She was sentenced to death by a Bangladeshi court on 27 May 2024.
The Botswana Government said her release followed sustained efforts to have her sentence commuted and secure her freedom.
Botswana President Duma Gideon Boko had appealed for executive clemency and the commutation of Molapisi’s death sentence, while the Ministry of International Relations pursued the matter through diplomatic channels.
International Relations Minister Phenye Butale engaged Bangladesh’s former interim Prime Minister, Dr Muhammad Yunus, as well as the country’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr Khalilur Rahman, over Molapisi’s case.
Botswana’s diplomatic missions in South Africa and India also worked with Bangladeshi authorities to facilitate consular assistance and support for Molapisi.
The Government further collaborated with local and international human rights organisations, including Ditshwanelo to ensure that Molapisi had access to appropriate legal representation.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Botswana Government expressed its appreciation to Bangladesh for granting Molapisi clemency.
“The development is a testament to the strong bonds of cooperation between the two countries, strengthened by the shared values of mutual respect,” the Botswana Government said.
Molapisi’s case had attracted attention in Botswana because of the severity of the sentence and the circumstances surrounding her arrest and conviction.
Online Reporter