Success story Details

Ngabo was a young man who since birth could neither hear nor speak. One morning, he was arrested and accused of sexually assaulting a minor. Without the ability to understand the allegations, without any way to explain himself, and without legal counsel to defend him, he faced the justice system. He was found guilty and sentenced to 25 years in prison. For a person who could not communicate at all during the proceedings, it was a tragic and deeply unjust outcome. When he arrived in prison, cellmates helped him prepare a letter requesting an appeal. When he appeared before the judge assigned to hear the appeal, the judge recognized that Ngabo could neither hear nor speak and questioned how a trial had taken place with this obvious barrier in communication. Recognizing the serious barriers he faced, the judge referred Ngabo‘s case to the Legal Aid Forum for legal representation. In agreement with the court, it was determined that justice required ensuring Ngabo could communicate. LAF provided a sign language teacher who worked with him for three months in prison, and assigned a defense lawyer to guide him through the appeal. When Ngabo returned before the Court with a sign language interpreter, he was finally able to explain his side of the story. Once he could communicate, it became clear that the accusations had no basis; there was no proof connecting him to the alleged offense. The Court acquitted him and ordered his immediate release. Ngabo’s journey shows that justice begins with the ability to be heard. His story is a reminder that persons with disabilities must be fully supported within the justice system, with communication assistance and equal access to legal representation, so that their rights and dignity are protected at every stage of the process.