A Shocking Sentence for a Heinous Crime #### A Look at the FGM Case of Emad Kaky
Published on Oct 07, 2024, 13:44 MST #### Reading Time: 3 minutes
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Academic from a University sent a girl to Iraq for the purpose of Female Genital Mutilation, receives a sentence of 4.5 years in prison.
On the 3\rd of October, 2024, academic Emad Kaky, aged 47, was handed a sentence of four and a half years in prison after being found guilty of conspiring to perform female genital mutilation (FGM) on a minor and forcing her into marriage. This incident took place in Nottingham, and the conviction marks a crucial step in the fight against FGM in England and Wales.
This conviction is significant, but the sentence may leave a bitter taste due to its apparent inadequacy for the crime's gravity. FGM inflicts irreparable physical and psychological harm on girls and women, yet Kaky's sentencing seems surprisingly lenient, exposing a disheartening gap between the crime's severity and the punishment imposed.
What is Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)?
FGM can be classified into four horrific categories: clitoridectomy, excision, infibulation, and other inhumane procedures such as pricking, piercing, cutting, scraping, or burning the genital area. These procedures are often carried out for cultural, religious, and social reasons, giving the false belief that they prepare girls for marriage and preserve their virginity.
FGM is acknowledged worldwide as a severe violation of human rights for girls and women, rooted in deep-seated gender inequality. It is considered a violation of children's rights as well, as it is commonly inflicted on young children by traditional practitioners. Over 230 million women globally are believed to have undergone FGM, with approximately 4 million girls at risk of facing these procedures every year.
Emad Kaky's Actions
In 2019, Emad Kaky devised a plan to send a young girl to Iraq, where she would have been subjected to FGM and forced into marriage, as reported by Sky News. Kaky orchestrated the girl's travel meticulously, but his plan was foiled thanks to the bravery of a witness. This witness helped the girl return to the UK and reported Kaky's intentions to the authorities.
Kaky's intentions were revealed through his WhatsApp messages, where he detailed how he planned for the girl to undergo FGM as part of the wedding preparations. The digital evidence proved critical in securing his conviction.
Janine McKinney, the Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS East Midlands, stated that "Emad Kaky has faced the consequences of his actions that aimed to ensure a young, innocent girl go through female genital mutilation and be forced into a marriage without her consent."
Although acknowledging the cultural pressures that may have influenced Kaky's actions, the judge suggested that his actions were driven by a deliberate disregard for the girl's rights and well-being.
A Verdict that Falls Short
To effectively eliminate FGM, the punishment must match the severity of the crime. The sentence given to Kaky, being four and a half years in prison, does not reflect the gravity of his actions and sends a confusing message about the law's stance on these heinous practices. If we are to truly eradicate FGM, the judicial system must consider these crimes more seriously, including committing to harsh sentences that deter potential offenders.
For too long, FGM has been viewed as a cultural issue rather than a direct violation of human rights. The tide is turning, and it's crucial that the justice system treats these cases with the urgency they demand. By taking a strong stance against FGM, we can send an unambiguous message that such practices will never be accepted under any circumstances.
The four-and-a-half-year sentence given to Emad Kaky, despite the gravity of his crime involving the conspiracy to perform female genital mutilation (FGM) on a minor, may not be sufficient to deter potential offenders, suggesting a need for the judicial system to reconsider its stance on FGM cases. Moreover, the lenient sentencing exposes a disconnect between the severity of FGM's irreparable physical and psychological harm and the punishment imposed, which could weaken the fight against FGM in England and Wales and the global effort to eradicate this human rights violation.
