Egyptian Father Sentenced to Prison for Infanticide

A court in Egypt has upheld a 10-year prison sentence for a father convicted of murdering his infant daughter. The heinous crime, which occurred in July 2023 in the Al-Beheira Governorate, has sent shockwaves through Egyptian society.

The Crime and the Perpetrator

The convicted father, identified as Mahmoud Sh., in his thirties, committed the horrific act against his infant daughter, Sama, who was only a few months old. The motive behind the murder stemmed from family disputes with his wife, as she had only given birth to daughters. According to the court’s findings, the father stomped on the baby’s head multiple times, causing severe skull fractures that led to her immediate death. The mother was helpless, screaming in an attempt to save her child, but it was to no avail.

Legal Proceedings and Verdict

The court in Damanhur rejected the appeal filed by the defendant, reinforcing the initial verdict. The court emphasized that the crime was committed with full awareness and intent, dismissing the defense’s claims that the perpetrator suffered from psychological disorders or demonic possession. This decision underscores the gravity of the crime and the determination of the judiciary to hold the father accountable for his actions.

Context and Impact

This tragic case highlights the issue of gender-based violence and the deeply rooted societal issues that contribute to such crimes. The murder of the infant, fueled by the father’s dissatisfaction with his wife’s having given birth to only girls, has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation across Egypt. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by women and girls in some communities and the urgent need for addressing these issues through education, awareness, and legal reform.