A man living in Wales has appeared in court in a landmark case charged with conspiracy to commit female genital mutilation. Emad Kaky, 47, of Neath Road, Swansea, denies the offences. The trial, the first of its kind in Nottingham, revealed how a witness informed the police about messages from Kaky indicating the practice of FGM, with messages allegedly stating that the victim “is not going to die” and “all of my tribe had done it and they lead a normal life.”
Prosecutors outlined various messages, including Kaky’s assurance that the act was normal and not deadly. Duncan Atkinson KC, opening the trial, explained that FGM involves serious harm to females. At the time of the alleged offence, Kaky was studying at the University of Nottingham for his PhD. The court heard that Kaky denied involvement in arranging the victim’s mutilation.
Nottinghamshire Live reported that Kaky’s messages related to FGM were missing from one of his seized phones. The prosecution suggested this indicated recognition of criminality. Kaky claimed ignorance of FGM during police interviews and denied any association with the act. Only two convictions under the FGM Act have occurred in England and Wales, with the alleged victim’s identity protected by law in this ongoing trial.
The trial is expected to last up to two weeks as Kaky maintains his innocence amid allegations of conspiracy to commit FGM and grievous bodily harm with intent. As this case unfolds, the legal system navigates uncharted territory in addressing such serious offences.