-Caveat Lector- Outrage as S.African Judge Cuts Rape Sentence CAPE TOWN, Oct 6 (Reuters) - South African women's rights campaigners vented their rage on Wednesday as a judge cut a mandatory life sentence for the rape of a minor to just seven years because the man had raped his own daughter. The country suffers one of the highest incidence of rape in the world, with one reported every 12 minutes on average -- although campaigners believe the official statistics massively understate the size of the problem. "The ruling is almost saying that incest is better than rape," lawyer Bronwyn Pithey of national campaign group Rape Crisis told Reuters. The ruling in Cape Town High Court by Judge John Foxcroft shocked anti-rape activists, already up in arms at the banning of a television advertisement that accuses men of being complacent about the sexual abuse of women. Under new laws, the rape of a girl under the age of 16 carries a mandatory life sentence. Foxcroft ruled that the 54-year-old man should be jailed for seven years because he had raped his own 14-year-old daughter rather than someone outside the family. "In this case the court says that type of behaviour towards his own daughter was confined and there is no suggestion of sexually objectionable behaviour outside the family," he said in his written ruling. Western Cape Attorney General Frank Kahn, whose office prosecuted the case, said he was petitioning the High Court of Appeal for permission to challenge the judgement on the grounds that it was "shockingly inappropriate." Foxcroft, who refused the right of the prosecution to appeal against his sentence, repeatedly stressed that this was a first offence and the rape of the daughter, while deplorable, had left no lasting damage. "He draws the conclusion that he doesn't believe the daughter will suffer long-term trauma," Pithey said. "But he is no expert on the matter and he didn't call for expert advice." "It is almost laughable that you can reduce an effective life sentence to seven years and then deny leave to appeal," she added. Pithey said it was difficult to tell if the number of rapes was actually rising or if women were simply feeling more confident of coming forward and reporting them. "What is true is that they are certainly becoming more violent," she said. "Either way the fact is that we have the most horrific incidents." One recent assault that shocked the nation was the abduction, multiple rape and torture of a young woman near Johannesburg who was left for dead on the side of the road with part of her face burnt off. "This ruling gives entirely the wrong message. I am very disappointed," Pithey said. Copyright 1999 Reuters . All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ======================= Robert F. Tatman Computer Help Desk Desktop & LAN Services Systems Department Philadelphia Newspapers, Inc. [EMAIL PROTECTED] 215.854.2729 215.854.2788 The contents of this message represent the opinion only of the writer, and may not be construed to indicate the endorsement of Knight-Ridder, Inc.; Philadelphia Newspapers, Inc.; The Philadelphia Inquirer; or the Philadelphia Daily News. "Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity." DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion and informational exchange list. Proselyzting propagandic screeds are not allowed. Substance—not soapboxing! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory', with its many half-truths, misdirections and outright frauds is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRL gives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credeence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. ======================================================================== Archives Available at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/CTRL.html http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ ======================================================================== To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
