ITALIAN police have arrested two Nigerian women in connection with the death of a 20-day-old Nigerian boy after a botched home circumcision.
Both women were charged with aggravated manslaughter and illegal exercise of a profession.
It was gathered that the incident occurred at Montecompatri, near Rome last Friday, March 24, 2023.
According to Italian news agency, ANSA, the child’s mother believed to be of Nigerian origin is also being investigated on suspicion of conspiracy to commit manslaughter.
The baby was rushed to Tor Vergata Polyclinic on Friday after he started bleeding excessively but was pronounced dead on arrival.
Circumcision is usually performed for cultural and religious purposes after eight days of birth but in Italy, it is not a common practice and most hospital doctors refuse to perform the surgery until the boys have reached at least age four.
The operation when done in private clinics can cost between €2,000 and €4,000 (N1 million – N2 million) but is offered for between €50 and €200 (N25, 000 – N100, 000) at backstreet surgeries.
Founder of the association of foreign doctors in Italy (AMSI) Foad Aodi, said over 5,000 circumcision operations are performed in Italy every year, with 35 per cent being done clandestinely in people’s homes.
He called upon Italy’s Ministry of Health to ensure the availability of circumcision at prices that were affordable to less well-off Muslims or Jewish parents.