Wednesday, 21 November 2007

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Mum of Angelina Jolie's daughter was raped

Zahara's biological mum reveals Zahara was born after attack

Angelina Jolie's adopted daughter Zahara was reportedly born after her mother was raped.

The 2-year-old's mum, Mentwabi Dawit, 24, claims she was sexually assaulted when she was walking home from work.

The incident is said to have taken place in the southern Ethiopian town of Asawa in 2004.

'He pulled a dagger, put one hand on my mouth, so that I could not scream,' she explains. 'He then raped me and disappeared.'

Mentwabi has not spoken about her ordeal until now.

'I feared the consequences of being raped in a community where rape is considered a taboo, 'she explains, 'even if what happened happened forcibly.'

Mentwabi says she decided to give up Zahara - who was initially named Yemsrach - because she thought she was seriously ill.

'She became malnourished and was even unable to cry,' she says. 'I was desperate and decided to run away rather than see my child dying.'

But Mentwabi denies reports that she wants Zahara back.

'I think she is a very fortunate human being to be adopted by a world famous lady,' she tells the Daily Telegraph. 'I wish them both all the success they deserve.'

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