2 weeks ago
Sabina Nessa's Sister Drives Law Change After Killer's Refusal
Sabina Nessa was a teacher who was murdered while walking through a park.
Her sister, Jebina, wanted to read a statement in court about how Sabina’s death affected the family.
The man who killed Sabina refused to leave his prison cell and did not hear the statement.
At the time, the judge could not force him to attend.
Jebina then campaigned to change the law.
The new law says offenders must come to court to hear victims’ statements.
If they refuse, two more years can be added to their sentence.
Jebina says the change will help other families, even though it cannot bring Sabina back.
Sabina Nessa was murdered after being attacked while walking through Cator Park, Kidbrooke.
Her killer, Koci Selamaj, refused to attend court for Jebina Yasmin Islam’s victim impact statement.
Islam said Selamaj struck Nessa on the head 34 times with a two-foot metal object.
After Selamaj’s April 2022 sentencing, Islam campaigned to change the law.
The Victims and Courts Act now requires offenders to hear victim statements or receive an additional two-year sentence.
- Who
- Jebina Yasmin Islam, sister of murdered teacher Sabina Nessa, campaigned after Nessa’s killer Koci Selamaj refused to attend court.
- What
- Islam’s campaign led to a law requiring offenders to hear victims’ impact statements, with an additional two-year sentence for refusal.
- Where
- Nessa was attacked in Cator Park, Kidbrooke; the victim impact statement issue arose during court proceedings.
- When
- Nessa was murdered five years ago; Selamaj was sentenced in April 2022, and the legal change became part of the Victims and Courts Act in April this year.
- Why
- Islam wanted families to be able to deliver their statements directly to offenders and to prevent others experiencing the same situation.
Key facts
- Victim
- Sabina Nessa, a murdered primary school teacher
- Campaigner
- Jebina Yasmin Islam, Nessa’s sister
- Killer
- Koci Selamaj
- Attack location
- Cator Park, Kidbrooke
- Sentencing
- Selamaj was sentenced in April 2022
- New legal requirement
- Offenders must attend court to hear victims’ impact statements
- Penalty for refusal
- An additional two years can be added to the sentence
Quotes
Jebina Yasmin Islam
Sabina Nessa’s sister and campaigner for victims’ rights
“To my shock, he refused to come out of his cell and there was nothing anyone could do. I couldn't understand how the judge had all that power but could not even bring him to court. It was his right.”
easterneye.biz
“After he was sentenced in April 2022, I started campaigning to change the law so nobody else would have to go through what we did. Campaigning gave me a way to channel the hurt and anger.”
easterneye.biz
Sources
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