Madonna's request to adopt 3-year-old orphan Chifundo "Mercy" James has been rejected by a Malawian court, prompting her lawyer to file an appeal against the decision.
- Apr 4, 2009
AceShowbiz - A Malawian court has on Friday morning, April 3 rejected Madonna's request to adopt local orphan, Chifundo "Mercy" James. In a closed-door court hearing, Judge Esme Chombo cited technicality reason for the rejection.
Referring to the so-called "technicality," Esme pointed out to one requirement that Madonna failed to fulfill in order to have her adoption bid finalized that is a would-be parent must live in the country 18 to 24 months ahead of time. Madonna didn't attend the hearing and it was her lawyer Alan Chinula who shared the news of the adoption request rejection to the press.
In response to the rejection, Alan confirmed, "I just filed the notice of appeal [with the Supreme Court] on instructions from my client." He added that no date has been set for the appeal yet.
Meanwhile, soon following the court hearing Esme expressed his concern that if Madonna is allowed to bypass the particular requirement, "the courts by their pronouncements could actually facilitate trafficking of children by some unscrupulous individuals." She, moreover, added that though the pop star can't adopt Chifundo, her good works with the orphanage where the 3-year-old girl has been staying will still benefit her. "It is evident that Chifundo James no longer is subject to the conditions of poverty at her place of birth," said Esme.
Madonna arrived in Malawi last week to have her bid to adopt Chifundo "Mercy" James being approved by the court. She was accompanied by children Lourdes, Rocco, and David Banda, the latest whom she also adopted from Malawi. The family even was snapped spending time together with Chifundo. There hasn't been any personal comment issued by Madonna herself regarding the rejection of her adoption bid.
