Egypt’s Landmark FGM Trial Ends In ‘Not Guilty’

The first court case of female genital mutilation in Egypt has ended in the acquittal of doctor and Islamic preacher Raslan Fadl.

Suhair al-Bata’a. Image Source: Waris Dirie Blog http://warisdirie.wordpress.com/2013/06/10/suhair-al-bataa-symbol-of-cruelty-and-of-hope/

Contrary to the hopes of activists and state officials for a landmark verdict, the doctor was released without charge for performing the procedure on Suhair al-Bata’a in June 2013. The 12 year-old died during the mutilation. The girl’s father has also been acquitted of responsibility.

Fadl claimed that Suhair died as a result of an allergy to penicillin. The judge, who issue the verdict in written form, did not provide any reasons for the outcome.

It has come to light that the doctor was ordered to pay 5,001 Egyptian pounds (about £450) to the girl’s mother in an out-of-court settlement.

FGM was made illegal in Egypt in 2008. However, the government claims that over 90% of women under the age of 50 have experienced it. Women activists believe that the practice is a widespread problem, and expressed disappointment with today’s verdict.

Suad Abu Dayyeh, a representative for the NGO Equality Now which campaigned for the trial told the BBC: “It is awful that after what seemed to be strong moves towards a positive outcome, Suhair has not been given justice.

“We can only hope that the strong commitment by the Egyptian government to finally take FGM seriously will result in further moves in the right direction and we will now discuss next steps with the local lawyers.”