In a novel case for Egypt, a man has pressed charges against his wife after he discovered she had taken their two daughters without his knowledge for circumcision. According to local Egyptian media, the 49-year-old man, who lives with his family in Qena, a city located north of Luxor, was surprised and shocked at his wife’s decision which is illegal under Egyptian law. The man had previously rejected his wife’s request to take their daughters for female genital mutilation (FGM). Qena’s Security Director received the man’s complaint and initiated criminal charges against his wife. The man is seeking the harshest punishment for his wife’s actions, reported local media. FGM continues to be a widespread practice in Egypt, despite being banned in 2008. Article 242 of Egypt’s Penal Code criminalizes the circumcision of girls and the punishment for performing FGM is a prison sentence ranging from three months to two years or a fine of EGP 5,000. FGM is also not permitted in Islam. Al-Azhar, Egypt’s most prominent Sunni Islamic authority, and Dar Al-Iftaa have issued multiple decrees banning the practice. However, recent campaigns by Egypt’s Ministry of Health targeted at…
Egypt Man Presses Charges Against Wife for FGM of their Two Daughters
October 20, 2018
