Egypt: Trio on Trial for Genital Mutilation Patient’s Death

A retired doctor and the parents of a 12-year-old girl who died after receiving female genital mutilation surgery last month are to stand trial in southern Egypt.

In 2008, genital cutting – which sees the partial or total removal of the external genitalia of girls – was banned in Egypt, although the practice continues to be carried out in private clinics and homes.

In January, the parents arranged for their young daughter, Nada Hassan Abdel-Maqsoud, to undergo FGM surgery at a private clinic in Manfalout, a city located in the Asyut Governorate. Dr Abdel Fadeel Rashwan, 70, performed the procedure.

Per prosecutors’ reports, the operation lasted about 30 minutes, but it left the girl unconscious. Efforts to revive her failed, and she died afterwards. The clinic also allegedly lacks a medical licence and was ill-equipped.

The trio were promptly arrested. If found guilty, Dr Rashwan could face up to seven years in prison; the parents could receive a three-year sentence for requesting the surgery.

A trial date has yet to be confirmed.