Botswana Secures Release of Lesedi Molapisi From Bangladesh

Botswana secures Lesedi Molapisi release from Bangladesh death row after drug case through diplomatic clemency efforts.

Obgist reports that the Government of Botswana has secured the freedom of Lesedi Molapisi, a Botswana national who was facing execution in Bangladesh.

The development was confirmed in an official press release issued on Tuesday by the Botswana government.

According to the statement, Molapisi had been held in a Dhaka prison for over four years after her arrest on a drug smuggling charge.

She was arrested on January 23, 2022, in Dhaka, after Bangladesh authorities found her in possession of narcotics.

The case later went to trial. On May 27, 2024, a Bangladeshi court convicted her and sentenced her to death.

Her release did not happen by chance. Botswana says it was the result of sustained diplomatic and legal pressure at the highest level.

Central to the effort was an appeal for executive clemency. President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko personally requested the commutation of her death sentence.

Following the President's directive, the Ministry of International Relations took full charge of the matter through diplomatic channels.

The Minister of International Relations, Honourable Dr. Phenyo Butale, led direct engagements with Bangladeshi authorities.

The Ministry confirmed that Dr. Butale held talks with Bangladesh's former Interim Prime Minister, Dr. Mohammed Yunus, and the country's current Foreign Affairs Minister, Honourable Dr. Khalilur Rahman.

Botswana's diplomatic missions in South Africa and India were also deployed to follow up on the case and provide consular support to Molapisi while in custody.

Beyond government channels, Botswana worked with human rights groups at home and abroad. The organization Ditshwanelo was specifically mentioned for helping to secure proper legal representation for her.

After her release was confirmed, Botswana expressed deep appreciation to the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh for granting clemency.

The government described the gesture as a testament to the strong bonds of cooperation between the two countries.

It noted that the relationship is built on mutual respect and shared values, and said the collaboration ultimately serves the interest of both nations and their peoples.

Molapisi's freedom comes more than four years after her arrest in Dhaka and just over two years after she was placed on death row.