Egypt: School Attack Case – National Council for Childhood Defense Stuns Court
A Cairo court hearing regarding the assault of a student, identified as “Karama,” at Capital International School in New Cairo, took an unexpected turn on Sunday. A representative of Egypt’s National Council for Childhood and Motherhood requested the acquittal of the three female students accused in the attack, which left Karama with a 5% permanent disability to her nose.
Unexpected Turn in Assault Case
The court has reserved judgment on the appeal filed by the accused – identified as “Rawia,” her sister “Sarah,” and their friend “Nour” – until March 30th. This decision came amidst visible shock in the courtroom, given the Council’s legal mandate to protect child victims.
Initially, a lower criminal court sentenced Rawia to one year in prison. Sarah received a six-month sentence with a 5,000 Egyptian pound stay of execution, and Nour was placed under judicial supervision. All were exempt from legal fees.
Council’s Role Questioned
The National Council for Childhood and Motherhood’s intervention sparked immediate questions from the court regarding its role – whether it defends “child victims” or “child perpetrators” in school violence cases.
defence attorney for Karama, Nehad Abu El-Qomsan, described the Council’s actions as a “clear violation of its founding law.” She argued before the court that the Council was established to defend children who are victims of violence, not those who inflict it, citing the documented evidence of the assault captured by surveillance cameras.
Abu El-Qomsan further stated that the Council’s actions represent a dangerous shift, effectively making it a party to the lawsuit. She emphasized that, according to child law, the Council’s role is one of social protection and intervention, not investigation, accusation, or defence.
Legal Concerns Raised
Abu El-Qomsan criticized the Council’s lawyer for submitting a memorandum, documents, and a formal request for acquittal, arguing this violates legal principles. She asserted that only the accused or the prosecution can request acquittal, a role the Council does not hold. She also warned that the court might be “misled” by the Council’s opinion, perceiving it as an unbiased assessment from a state entity, when it is, in fact, a full endorsement of the accused’s narrative.
She cautioned that this could create an undue influence on the court’s judgment, particularly in juvenile cases where social opinions are often considered.
Details of the Assault
The incident unfolded in January 2025 at Capital International School in New Cairo. According to case file number 2283 for 2025, a verbal dispute during recess escalated into a group assault led by Rawia, who repeatedly kicked Karama. Sarah restrained the victim, while Nour continued the attack. The assault resulted in a broken nose and breathing difficulties, classified by forensic medicine as a “permanent disability.”
The court based its initial ruling on the “digital truth” of the surveillance footage, rejecting claims of self-defence presented by the defence team, and affirming the incident was an act of aggression within an educational institution that should be a “safe haven.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What injuries did Karama sustain?
Karama sustained a broken nose and breathing difficulties, resulting in a 5% permanent disability, according to forensic medical reports.
What was the initial court ruling in this case?
Rawia was sentenced to one year in prison, Sarah received a six-month sentence with a stay of execution, and Nour was placed under judicial supervision.
What prompted the court to reserve judgment?
The court reserved judgment following a request by a representative of the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood for the acquittal of all three accused students.
What implications might this case have for the role of national councils dedicated to protecting children?