By Ahone Heidi
A Douala Court Verdict over Murder of Diane Yangwo has sparked outrage among family members, human rights groups and the public.
On November 18, 2023, Diane Yangwo, an English teacher at the Nylon Ndogpassi Bilingual High School, lost her life after being brutally beaten by her husband, Bekobe Éric. The femicide case that has been lingering for long finally had its verdict at the Bonanjo High Court on April 1 st, 2025.
Though the accused , Bekobe Eric on 4 March 2025, during his trial pleaded guilty to the charges against him, the sentence delivered on 1 April 2025 met with surprise and anger from sympathizers and rights activists. The accused got a five-year suspended sentence and a fine of only 52,000 FCFA, a sentence adjudged to be very mild compared to the crime.
This has created a wave of protests from human rights activists and civil society observers.
This is especially after the autopsy report obtained, revealed she died from “physical violence complicated by internal abdominal hemorrhage.” These initial findings make the decision even more conflicting, observers say.
Reactions were swift, particularly from activists and civil society fighting against violence against women. Sociologist Aladin Thiam expressed his outrage.
“This verdict is an absolute scandal. It means you can kill someone and only receive a suspended sentence.”
In response to public outcry, swift action has been taken. The media outlet Griote reports that an appeal has been filed by lawyer Charlotte Tchakounté and the public prosecutor. The action can reopen the judiciary discussion and challenge the leniency of the initial decision.