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Egyptian doctor gets two years prison in girl's genital mutilation death

By JC Finley
According to the World Health Organization, more than 125 million girls and women underwent female genital mutilation in 29 countries in the Middle East and Africa. CC/Amnon Shavit
According to the World Health Organization, more than 125 million girls and women underwent female genital mutilation in 29 countries in the Middle East and Africa. CC/Amnon Shavit

CAIRO, Jan. 26 (UPI) -- An Egyptian court sentenced a doctor Monday to more than two years in prison for conducting an illegal genital mutilation procedure that resulted in the death of a 13-year-old girl.

Dr. Raslan Fadl had been acquitted in November for his role in her death but was convicted on appeal by the Aga Misdemeanor Court in Mansoura. He was given a prison sentence of two years and three months, fined and ordered to close his clinic for one year.

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Although female genital mutilation is illegal under Egyptian law, the practice continues. Soheir Al-Batea, whose procedure was ordered by her father, died in June 2013 from an overdose of anesthetics.

"The prosecution report proved the girl's body was subjected to FGM," said lawyer Mostafa Ghanoum, who is an anti-FGM advocate. "Additionally, the suspected doctor's clinic does not have the minimal healthcare requirements."

Al-Batea's father was given a suspended three-month prison sentence.

Equality Now, an international human rights organization, called Monday's sentencing a "monumental victory."

Anti-FGM activist Manal Fawzi believes "the new sentence will deter doctors from performing this dangerous practice."

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