A former sex worker, Josevata Werelagi, has had his appeal against a 14-year prison sentence rejected by the Court of Appeal. The decision came after Werelagi, also known as “Jossie,” was found guilty in late 2019 on multiple charges, including aggravated sexual servitude and domestic trafficking of minors.
The Court’s panel of Justices—Chandana Prematilaka, Karen Clark, and Gerald Winter—reviewed the case in November last year. The charges stemmed from incidents involving a 15-year-old girl whom Werelagi met in July 2015. The girl had dropped out of school and was living with her mother when she was introduced into the sex industry through Werelagi, who facilitated her transportation for the purpose of prostitution.
The court heard that he took her to Samabula, where she engaged in sexual acts with multiple men, with the earnings being shared between her and Werelagi. The girl was ultimately rescued by police just days later, on July 23, 2015. During the trial, evidence was presented showing how Werelagi groomed the girl, making efforts to make her appear older to exploit her further.
This ruling reinforces the legal system’s commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals from exploitation and trafficking, showcasing ongoing efforts to address and combat these serious issues within society.
The firm stand taken by the courts serves as a hopeful reminder that accountability can exist for perpetrators of such crimes, signaling progress towards justice for victims. It is crucial for communities to continue raising awareness about the dangers of trafficking and the need for protective measures for at-risk youth.
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