Egyptian court sentences 79-year-old to life imprisonment in child assault case

A criminal court in Damanhur has sentenced a 79-year-old financial supervisor to 25 years in prison after finding him guilty of sexually assaulting a 5-year-old student at a private school in Egypt’s Beheira Governorate.

The case, which began in January 2024, came to light when the child’s mother noticed behavioral changes, including his refusal to use the bathroom. Medical examinations confirmed the assault had occurred multiple times, according to court documents.

Prosecutors said the defendant, who worked as a financial auditor assigned by the Beheira Diocese to oversee the school’s accounts, committed the offenses on school grounds. The child later identified his attacker both from photographs and in person.

The verdict comes after initial challenges in the investigation, as the child’s father reportedly faced resistance when attempting to file a police report. The public prosecution eventually intervened, ordering forensic examinations that substantiated the allegations.

Following the ruling, Egypt’s Ministry of Education announced the dismissal of the school principal and launched a comprehensive review of operations at the Al-Karma Private Language School. The ministry stated these measures were taken “to ensure accountability and prevent similar incidents.”

The case has prompted renewed discussions about child protection in educational institutions across Egypt, with particular focus on oversight procedures in schools with religious affiliations.

Community support for the victim has been notable, with local residents creating a mural in the child’s neighborhood. The young victim, who attended court proceedings wearing a Spider-Man costume as part of his psychological therapy, has become a symbol of resilience for child advocates throughout the country.

Child protection specialists have called for stronger preventive measures, including more rigorous employee screening processes and clearer reporting mechanisms for suspected abuse in educational settings.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​