An Egyptian Court dropped all charges against American Aya Hijazi and her husband Mohamed Hassanein over the “Belady” NGO case after years behind bars. The founders of the NGO, which took in children in street conditions, had been charged with human trafficking, abduction, inciting homosexuality, and sexual abuse for pornography, among other accusations. Belady Foundation launched in February 2014, with the slogan “Looking at our children on the street in a different way”. Hegazy used to go up to the children in main squares such as Tahrir and Ramsis, telling them they had a place to stay if they promise to develop and learn. Recycling workshops, arts classes, and even watching movies with the kids were all daily activities at Belady. The children, many who did not go to school, were also learning how to read and write. But in May 2014, a mere three months into operation, Hijazi and her husband Mohammed Hassanein were arrested when a man claimed his son was at Belady. Although he did not find his missing son, the man returned with others and attacked the foundation to “free” the children. The founders called the police…
Founders of Street Children NGO Found Not Guilty After Three Years in Prison
April 16, 2017
