A court in Dori, Burkina Faso, has sentenced a man to life in prison for a brutal acid attack on his pregnant girlfriend. The attack occurred on August 31, 2026, when the man, whose name has not been released, lured his girlfriend to a remote area, beat her, stabbed her in the back with a knife, and poured acid on her face, leaving her with severe burns and disfiguring her.
The victim, who was pregnant at the time of the attack, had refused to undergo an abortion, prompting her boyfriend to carry out the heinous act. After the attack, the victim was left unconscious and was only rescued the next morning. She was taken to the Dori Regional Hospital Center, where medical staff worked to save her life. The hospital's professionalism and dedication were praised by the prosecutor's office.
The suspect was arrested on October 15, 2026, thanks to collaboration from local residents. He was subsequently charged with criminal assault and battery, as outlined in Article 512-22 of the Penal Code. The case was brought before the Dori court's criminal chamber, which found the defendant guilty and sentenced him to life in prison.
The prosecutor's office welcomed the court's decision, citing the severity of the crime and the impact on the victim. The office also praised the police and local residents for their cooperation in apprehending the suspect. The victim's family was located three days after the attack, and she was able to identify her boyfriend as the perpetrator after regaining consciousness.
The acid attack caused severe burns to the victim's face, chest, and hands, as well as injuries to her body. The prosecutor's office stated that the attack was premeditated, with the suspect using stratagems to lure the victim to a remote area. The office emphasized the gravity of the crime and the need for justice to be served.
The court's decision marks a significant step towards justice for the victim and her family. The case highlights the importance of protecting victims of domestic violence and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions. The Burkinabé authorities have reiterated their commitment to combating violence against women and promoting a culture of respect and equality.
The life sentence handed down to the perpetrator sends a strong message that such crimes will not be tolerated in Burkina Faso. The case also underscores the need for continued efforts to prevent and respond to violence against women, particularly in cases where victims are subjected to brutal and inhumane treatment.
Key points
- The perpetrator was sentenced to life in prison for pouring acid on his pregnant girlfriend's face after she refused to have an abortion.
- The victim suffered severe burns and disfiguring injuries, but her life was saved thanks to the medical staff at the Dori Regional Hospital Center.
- The case highlights the importance of protecting victims of domestic violence and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.
