Egypt’s Public Prosecution has ordered an urgent criminal trial for senior officials at the Egyptian Swimming Federation and members of the rescue team over the death of 12-year-old swimmer Youssef Abdel-Malek on Monday, 22 December, who drowned during a national championship after going unnoticed in the pool. In a statement, the prosecution said the trial is set to begin on Thursday, 25 December, with those referred including the federation’s president and board members, its executive director, the head of the competitions committee, the tournament director, the chief referee, and three members of the rescue team. The defendants are charged with negligence and serious dereliction of duty in connection with the child’s death, in violation of their professional responsibilities. Forensic and pathological examinations found that Abdel-Malek did not suffer from any medical conditions and had not taken stimulants or narcotics. The cause of death was determined to be asphyxia due to drowning. Investigators said the child lost consciousness after completing his race, fell to the bottom of the pool, and remained submerged long enough for water to enter his lungs and airways, leading to cardiac arrest and complete respiratory failure. A…
