It is sad to think that people have ever participated in the enslavement of other humans. However, it is sickening to know that these traditions are not those of the archaic past, and that slavery is practiced in todays society. This is not just a social disease that plagues “other” nations, however a terrible truth to American society. The apprehension and conviction of Varsha Sabhnani is just a small step into stopping the slave industry, and thankfully the women that she harmed are still alive to tell their story.

Varsha Sabhnani, 46, was convicted with her husband in December on a 12-count federal indictment that included forced labor, conspiracy, involuntary servitude and harboring aliens.

The trial provided a glimpse into a growing U.S. problem of domestic workers exploited in slave-like conditions.

The victims testified that they were beaten with brooms and umbrellas, slashed with knives, and forced to climb stairs and take freezing showers as punishment. One victim was forced to eat dozens of chili peppers and then was forced to eat her own vomit when she couldn’t keep the peppers down, prosecutors said.

U.S. District Judge Arthur Spatt called the testimony “eye-opening, to say the least — that things like that go on in our country.”

“In her arrogance, she treated Samirah and Enung as less than people,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Demetri Jones said. “Justice for the victims, that’s what the government is asking for.”

Federal sentencing guidelines had recommended a range of 12 to 15 years in prison for Sabhnani, who was identified as the one who inflicted the abuse. In addition to prison, she will serve three years of probation and was fined $25,000. (read more…)

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