Emad Kaky, a former university professor who was convicted in a groundbreaking case, has had his prison sentence increased as a result of his involvement in attempting to arrange for a girl to undergo female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced marriage in Iraq. The case, which took place in Nottingham Crown Court last year, marked the first prosecution of its kind in England and Wales. Kaky, originally from Nottingham and now residing in Swansea, denied any wrongdoing, but a jury found him guilty of conspiracy to commit FGM and forced marriage after a five-hour deliberation. The Attorney General’s Office confirmed this week that Kaky’s initial four-and-a-half year sentence has been extended to seven years following a review under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme. The increase in sentence aims to reflect the severity of the crime committed by Kaky, who was described as intending to cause immense physical and psychological harm to a child by engaging in such actions. The Solicitor General, Lucy Rigby KC MP, reiterated the government’s commitment to combating violence against women and girls, emphasizing the abhorrent nature of FGM and the need to eradicate it.
Prosecutor Duncan Atkinson KC highlighted the serious nature of FGM, which often involves causing significant harm to women, during the trial. Messages exchanged between Kaky and a witness revealed alarming statements indicating Kaky’s involvement in the planned crime. The prosecution presented evidence suggesting Kaky considered the practice of FGM to be normal, further underscoring the severity of the case. Janine McKinney, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS East Midlands, stressed the significance of the case in sending a strong message to perpetrators that they will face prosecution regardless of where the offence takes place. The trial revealed Kaky’s disturbing intentions towards a child, leading to his conviction for conspiracy to commit FGM and forced marriage.
During sentencing, Judge Nirmal Shant KC denounced FGM as a barbaric practice that inflicts deliberate physical harm and praised the witness’ intervention, which prevented the planned FGM and forced marriage from occurring. Despite taking into account Kaky’s lack of previous criminal record and low risk of reoffending, the judge recognised the seriousness of Kaky’s actions and handed down the extended prison sentence. Kaky’s barrister highlighted his client’s previously respected position as a professor and the significant impact the case had on his life. The victim’s identity remains protected by law, and Kaky has been placed on the sex offender register for life, in addition to his extended prison term.
The increase in Emad Kaky’s sentence serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing efforts to combat gender-based violence and uphold the rights and protection of women and girls. The collaborative work of law enforcement agencies, including the Crown Prosecution Service and the police, demonstrates a commitment to bringing perpetrators of such egregious crimes to justice. This landmark case sets a precedent for holding individuals accountable for attempting to subject others to the horrors of FGM and forced marriage. The severity of FGM as a form of violence against women and girls cannot be understated, and efforts to eradicate this harmful practice remain a priority for authorities in the UK.
In conclusion, the escalated prison term for Emad Kaky underscores the zero-tolerance approach towards crimes such as FGM and forced marriage, highlighting the importance of justice and accountability in protecting vulnerable individuals from such atrocities. The case serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing battle against gender-based violence and the collective responsibility to safeguard the rights and well-being of all individuals, particularly women and girls. By upholding stringent sentences for perpetrators like Kaky, the legal system reinforces its commitment to addressing and preventing acts of violence that seek to harm and exploit the most vulnerable members of society.