In a historic ruling, a 39-year-old British woman, Amina Noor, has been found guilty of aiding and abetting female genital mutilation (FGM) on a three-year-old girl during a trip to Kenya. This groundbreaking case marks the first conviction of its kind under a 2003 UK law on FGM. Awaiting sentencing on December 20, Amina Noor could face a maximum prison term of 14 years.
Background of the case
Amina Noor’s conviction stems from her role in taking the girl to Kenya in 2006, where she accompanied her to a “clinic” for the mutilation procedure. The victim, now 21, reported the incident to her English teacher at the age of sixteen. The legal proceedings involved investigations in Kenya and medical examinations in the UK, confirming clitoral removal.
Legal implications and crown prosecution service’s response
This landmark conviction carries significance as Amina Noor is the first British national convicted of aiding FGM abroad. Patricia Strobino, representing the Crown Prosecution Service, expressed hope that the verdict would encourage victims and survivors to come forward, sending a clear message against those involved in FGM, both in the UK and abroad.
Cultural pressure and legal ramifications
During the trial, Amina Noor argued that cultural pressure compelled her participation, fearing being “cursed” and “disowned” by her community if she refused. Prosecutor Deanna Heer highlighted that Amina Noor not only facilitated the procedure but discussed the type of FGM beforehand.
Wider context of female genital mutilation
Female genital mutilation is a pervasive practice in certain regions of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The United Nations estimates that over 200 million girls and women have undergone FGM, with 31 countries affected. The exact extent of the problem remains challenging to measure. In England, FGM has been illegal since 1985, with the law extended in 2003 to cover British nationals practicing or seeking these mutilations abroad.
This landmark conviction serves as a crucial step in addressing the complex challenges surrounding FGM and emphasizes the importance of legal consequences for those involved.