A former PhD student, Emad Kaky, has been sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison after being convicted of conspiracy to commit female genital mutilation (FGM)—the first such conviction recorded in England and Wales. This landmark case, wrapped up at Nottingham Crown Court, brings to light the severe issues surrounding FGM and forced marriages, particularly as they relate to vulnerable individuals.
Kaky, 47 years old and residing in Swansea, was found guilty following a two-week trial where it was revealed he had made arrangements for a young girl to travel from the UK to Iraq. His plans included subjecting her to FGM and forcing her to marry against her will. The planned trip was discovered when a witness uncovered his intentions and reported them to law enforcement. This led to the child being safely returned to the UK before any harm could occur.
The prosecution presented substantial evidence, including messages from Kaky’s mobile phone, which indicated his clear intent to carry out these heinous acts. When confronted, Kaky attempted to normalize his actions, stating FGM was “normal.” This shocking defense highlights the depths of misinformation surrounding such practices.
During sentencing, Judge Nirmal Shant KC referred to Kaky's plans as “barbaric” and emphasized the severity of the intended harm, even though the crime was not completed. She acknowledged the concerted efforts he made to facilitate the abuse—a fact she found deeply troubling. Importantly, the judge noted, “This offence calls for a deterrent sentence.”
While Kaky’s actions did not result in immediate physical harm, the court recognized the psychological toll such abuse could have on the victim had the plans succeeded. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) stated, “Had he succeeded, this child would have suffered unimaginable physical and mental harm.” This chilling reality underscored the trial's significance, as it sent out a stark warning about the zero tolerance for such acts within the UK's legal framework.
Janine McKinney, Chief Crown Prosecutor for the CPS East Midlands, stated: “Female genital mutilation is a horrific crime to subject anyone to - let alone a child.” She highlighted the clear evidence of Kaky’s intentions and reinforced the commitment of the CPS and law enforcement to pursue justice for victims of such abhorrent crimes.
The legal framework surrounding FGM has been established since 1985 when it was first criminalized. Defined as any procedure involving the partial or total removal of external female genitalia for non-medical reasons, FGM carries severe health repercussions. According to the World Health Organization, the practice has no health benefits and can lead to excessive bleeding, severe psychological issues, and potentially death.
Jaswant Narwal, the CPS national lead for “honour”-based abuse and FGM, also spoke about the cultural dynamics influencing these crimes. He noted the challenges of prosecuting these offenses often committed within tight-knit communities where victims may feel pressure to conform to harmful practices. “Sometimes they are not aware they are victims of FGM because it’s normalized so much,” he explained. Education and raising awareness about the dangers of FGM and the right of women and girls to live free from such practices are highly significant.
The University of Nottingham, where Kaky was associated as a visiting scholar, expressed its revulsion at the case. A spokesperson for the institution stated, “There is no place for such barbaric offences in our society, and our thoughts are with those who have been affected by these actions.” Following Kaky’s arrest, the university ended all associations with him.
Despite the conviction, Kaky is just the third individual to face legal consequences related to FGM in the UK. The first conviction occurred back in 2019 for performing FGM on someone within the UK, followed by another for aiding the practice overseas. The rarity of such cases underlines the difficulty of bringing offenders to justice, particularly as many incidents remain unreported.
Efforts to combat FGM continue within the UK, emphasizing the importance of collective action among law enforcement, educational institutions, and community organizations to protect at-risk individuals. Advocacy groups like The Dahlia Project offer support for women who have survived FGM, aiming to empower communities through education and raise awareness about the need to reject such harmful traditions.
With Kaky’s sentencing, campaigners hope this case will serve as both a warning and encouragement for more individuals to come forward and challenge the normalized narratives surrounding FGM. The intention is clear: any plots to commit this gruesome act will not go unpunished, and the law stands firmly against such violations.
Overall, the proceedings highlight the legal commitment to stopping FGM and the importance of safeguarding vulnerable populations within society. Kaky’s case serves as a shocking reminder of the lengths some may go to perpetuate abuse, but also as a beacon of hope for legal progress and societal change against such deeply-rooted practices.
