Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi has offered his government’s support to 32-year-old Lesedi Molapisi, who was sentenced to death by a Bangladeshi court on drug trafficking charges.
Molapisi was arrested in 2022 at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka with over 3 kg of heroin. According to Bangladeshi media reports, she arrived on a flight from South Africa via Doha, Qatar.
President Masisi expressed his concern for Molapisi’s situation, stating that “a citizen of ours in a faraway land” is facing a “very harsh reality.” He called on the public to keep Molapisi and her family in their thoughts.
While acknowledging the seriousness of the charges, President Masisi announced that the government would assist Molapisi with an appeal if she chooses to pursue one. This assistance would include facilitating the process, providing counseling for the family, and offering financial support in collaboration with human rights organization Amnesty International.
However, the President did not shy away from acknowledging public sentiment within Botswana regarding the drug trade. He pointed out that during the recent constitutional review, citizens expressed strong views against drug trafficking, mirroring the stance taken by Bangladesh.
