Trial for Mistreatment of a 13-Year-Old Quranic Student: Court Declares Itself Incompetent

Ouagadougou, November 19, 2025 - The trial involving (H. A.), a Quran teacher accused of mistreating a 13-year-old Quranic student, opened on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, before the criminal chamber of the Ouagadougou High Court. The case has provoked significant public concern due to the seriousness of the alleged offenses.

The hearing was immediately suspended to allow the criminal court to rule on its jurisdiction, ensuring that it was the proper court to hear the matter. Upon resumption, the court declared itself incompetent, determining that the facts of the case fall under the jurisdiction of another judicial authority.

As a result, the proceedings will be referred to the competent court in accordance with applicable legal provisions.