topics
tools
Expatica countries
Index Last Var.(%)
BEL 20 2281.62 -1.00
DAX 6741.58 -0.37
IBEX 30 8783.6 -0.88
CAC 40 3390.12 -1.10
FTSE 100 5882.31 -0.32
AEX 324.37 -0.60
DJIA 12862.23 1.23
Nasdaq 2905.66 1.61
FTSE MIB 16292.96 -0.89
TSX Composite 12577.28 0.19
ASX 4364.6 1.03
Hang seng 20709.94 -0.23
Straits Times 2940.1 0.76
ISEQ 20 506.43 -0.10
You are here: Home News Spanish News Spain mulls African albino's asylum request

Spanish News

archive
Enlarge font Decrease font Text size


09/04/2009Spain mulls African albino's asylum request

An 18-year-old albino teenager from Benin fears he will be killed in a witchcraft ritual if he is sent back home as albinos are considered to be bad omens or help bring good luck.

MADRID – The Spanish government has agreed to consider a request for asylum from an albino teenager from Benin who fears he will be killed in a witchcraft ritual if he is sent home, an official said Wednesday.

The 18-year-old, identified only by his first name Moszy, arrived on the island of Tenerife in Spain's Canary's Islands last week on a wooden boat carrying about 60 other illegal African migrants.

He made the request for asylum, which the government has now agreed to process, with the help of the Spanish Commission for Refugee Aid (CEAR).

The CEAR is also trying to get him released from the centre for illegal immigrants in Tenerife where he has been held since his arrival in Spain.

"In Africa albinos are considered to be a bad omen or a factor of good luck. It is logical that he fears for his life because among different ethnic groups his body may be used in a sacrifice ritual," the director of CEAR, Juan Carlos Lorenzo, told reporters.

Belief in sorcery is widespread in sub-Saharan Africa, where some witch doctors believe that a potion using albino body parts and blood can lead to wealth and luck.

Officials in some African nations report a growing trade in albino body parts for use in witchcraft, with buyers willing to pay thousands of dollars.

Albinism is a congenital lack of the melamin pigment in the skin, eyes and hair which protects from the sun's ultraviolet rays. Albinos are vulnerable to medical complications and social discrimination in Africa.

AFP / Expatica


0 reactions to this article

Be the first person to add a comment

General rating: Not rated yet

Rate article:    Add my rating


0 reactions to this article

Be the first person to add a comment
Discussion Forums

Jobs in Spain

“Silicon Valley Comes to Barcelona”, 24th Feb 2012

Business and Personal Finance in Spain

“Silicon Valley Comes to Barcelona”, 24th Feb 2012

Student forum Spain

“Silicon Valley Comes to Barcelona”, 24th Feb 2012

Community Noticeboard Spain

“Silicon Valley Comes to Barcelona”, 24th Feb 2012

Jobs in Spain

Teaching English

participate in the forums

Inside Expatica
Editor's Guide: Getting Started in Spain

Editor's Guide: Getting Started in Spain

Expatica's Getting Started section will provide practical information on how you can open a bank account, exchange your driving licence, improve your Spanish, and more.

Groups and Clubs in Madrid

Groups and Clubs in Madrid

Here's a guide to an extensive list of groups and clubs in Madrid for expats, from sports groups to social and family gatherings.

Groups and Clubs around Spain

Groups and Clubs around Spain

A brief introduction to our Tax section for Spain, from help with inheritance tax to accounting advice.

Groups and Clubs in Barcelona

Groups and Clubs in Barcelona

Here's a short introduction to our Banking section for those living in Spain, from what to ask the experts to opening a Spanish bank account.