WATCH: Children spend years in prison for stealing vanilla

Madagascar has placed tough measures to deal with Vanilla beans theft and these tough measures don’t just apply to adults.

Children accused of this crime can spend up to three years in prison without getting their day in court for a trial and when they finally do they often have to defend themselves without a lawyer.

Conditions in the prison are tough, with some prisoners given one meal every day.

“We must protect vanilla growers and the customers, but especially the market price and the flow of trade. As a human being, I understand very well, I understand the conditions in which these prisoners must be living in. And that’s why we’re fighting with our team with all our strength to improve the conditions,” Justice Ministry Chief of staff Rava Savatsaraha said.

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Vanilla trading is one of the top businesses in Madagascar with one Kilogram going for at least R2 289,46 in the export market.

Human Rights Lawyer Harotsilavo Rakotoson said, “The priority of this land is much more on vanilla than on human beings. Facing the courts, even for adults is very difficult, it’s very technical”.

“You need to prepare yourself, you need to know the rule of the land, you need to understand the issues, and for the children, it is just impossible for them to defend themselves,” Rakotoson added.

Source: Youtube/Bruce Nottingham