Madagascar Court Sentences Man to Life Imprisonment and Surgical Castration for Raping 6-Year-Old Girl
Madagascar enforces tough new law as man convicted of raping a six-year-old is sentenced to life imprisonment and surgical castration in landmark ruling.
- : A Madagascar court has issued its first-ever sentence of surgical castration for child rape.
- The offender was convicted of raping and attempting to murder a six-year-old girl
- The 2024 law mandates surgical castration for rapists of children under 10
In a historic and controversial ruling, a court in Madagascar has sentenced a man to life imprisonment with hard labor — along with surgical castration — for raping and attempting to murder a six-year-old girl in 2024.
The assault took place in Imerintsiatosika, a town located roughly 30 km west of the capital, Antananarivo. Announcing the verdict, Attorney General Didier Razafindralambo said the ruling marks the first application of a tough new law introduced in 2024 targeting perpetrators of child rape involving victims aged 10 and below.
“This sentence is not just punitive — it’s a strong warning to deter potential offenders,” Razafindralambo stated in a video message released by Madagascar’s Ministry of Justice.
The decision has stirred global attention, with Madagascar joining a small group of countries — including Germany, the Czech Republic, and some U.S. states — that have implemented surgical or chemical castration for sex offenders. While some view the move as a bold stance against rising child sexual abuse cases, human rights groups argue it raises serious ethical concerns.
Critics urge more focus on survivor protection and prevention rather than extreme punitive measures. Meanwhile, Madagascar’s justice system is standing firm on using the new law to send a zero-tolerance message.
