Brother Salvador, Salesian, a Basque who’s been in Burkina for more than half a century educating children, youth and adults, sends us this sincere and heartfelt e-mail, in which he explains the stressful and uncertain situation that’s again threatening Burkina.
We are delighted to inform you that Franck is back at home! The trial was held, and although Franck was found guilty of the two charges – robbery and attempted robbery – he and his 5 friends were set free thanks to the intervention of the head of the Minors Court, who advocated clemency to the 3 judges on the case. The Tribunal accepted the petition, but not without a stern warning to the boys that if they appear again in their courts they will not receive the lenient treatment they got this first time.
Good day, esteemed Patrons,On Sunday, Boukary and I went to the MACO (Maisson d’arret et Correction de Ouagadougou – the local jail) to visit Franck. It was an emotionally charged visit. When he came into the room, he greeted us and sat down between us. As soon as we asked him how he was, he began to cry in such a way that neither Boukary nor I could hold back the tears. It was a very sad moment. But we managed to pull ourselves together and cheer him up. We calmed him down so we could talk. Franck assured us that he was alright, that neither the guards nor the other boys in detention had hit him. He also told us that in the mornings he was able to take CM2 (6th grade) classes and at midday he was allowed to watch television with the other children.
