A man from Wales has been jailed for being the first person convicted of conspiracy to commit female genital mutilation (FGM) in England and Wales. Emad Kaky, aged 47, made arrangements for a young girl to travel from the UK to Iraq. Following a two-week trial, he was found guilty of conspiracy to commit FGM and forced marriage. The sentencing judge described his plans as “barbaric”. Kaky, residing in Swansea at the time, was living in Nottingham when he organised and paid for the trip to Iraq. His intentions were uncovered by a witness who promptly reported him to the authorities.
The court heard that messages on Kaky’s phone showed clear intent to subject the girl to FGM. When confronted, Kaky shockingly described FGM as “normal”. The defense barrister stated that the procedure was not carried out, and the intended victim was unaware of the plan, thus not suffering any physical or mental trauma. Despite Kaky’s academic accomplishments as a PhD student at the University of Nottingham, the judge highlighted the severity of his actions, calling them barbaric and deserving of a deterrent sentence.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) hailed the conviction as a “landmark” case, emphasizing that such practices have no place in society. Janine McKinney, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS East Midlands, condemned Kaky’s actions, highlighting the unimaginable harm the child would have faced if the plans had materialized. The University of Nottingham confirmed Kaky’s association with the institution when the offenses came to light, expressing disapproval and withdrawing any further collaboration.
In a bid to send a message of zero tolerance towards such abuse, law enforcement vowed to prosecute anyone involved in plotting similar crimes. The case underscored the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals against such horrific practices. Kaky’s prosecution was not only the first of its kind but a significant step towards deterring others from engaging in similar criminal activities.
The verdict served as a stark reminder of the urgent need to protect individuals, particularly minors, from falling victim to such inhumane acts. The collaborative efforts of the CPS, police, and law enforcement agencies demonstrated a resolute commitment to holding perpetrators accountable and ensuring justice prevails.
The repercussions of Kaky’s actions extended beyond his personal consequences, leaving a profound impact on all those involved. As society continues its fight against such barbarity, the case serves as a vital precedent in safeguarding the well-being and rights of individuals, especially those vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.