A 12-year-old Egyptian girl’s death following alleged abuse at the hands of her father has prompted widespread condemnation and a criminal trial set to begin in Zagazig. The case of Jihan A., a sixth-grade student from the Sharqia governorate, underscores the persistent issue of domestic violence and its deadly consequences within Egyptian families, occurring amidst a national conversation regarding children’s rights and legal protections. Authorities allege Abdel Hadi M. subjected his daughter to a brutal assault in november 2025, and are now building a case for premeditated murder as the nation grapples with the details of this alleged crime.
An Egyptian father is facing trial after allegedly torturing his 12-year-old daughter to death, a case that has drawn attention to domestic violence and child abuse in the country. The incident, which occurred in November, has sparked outrage and prompted a lawyer to offer pro bono representation to the child’s mother.
According to reports, police responded to a call on November 6, 2025, regarding the death of Jihan A., a sixth-grade student, at her home in the village of El-Nekhas, in the Zagazig district of the Sharqia Governorate.
Investigators found evidence suggesting the girl’s father, identified as Abdel Hadi M., a livestock trader, subjected her to a brutal beating. The attack reportedly stemmed from ongoing family disputes and the mother’s recent filing of a lawsuit seeking custody of the child.
After the assault, the father allegedly attempted to conceal the body near Minya El-Qamh and fled the scene. A medical examination revealed the child suffered from burns, had her fingernails removed, and sustained injuries consistent with being struck with a wooden stick.
Security forces apprehended the suspect after he went into hiding in the orchards of Minya El-Qamh. He was subsequently detained pending investigation and charged with premeditated murder. A forensic report later confirmed the presence of recent burns and widespread bruising, indicating the girl had been repeatedly assaulted with a wooden stick, causing significant injuries to her hands and legs.
The case gained further attention when “Ali Jalal,” an attorney, volunteered to represent the child’s mother after reading about her plight in local news reports. The attorney’s involvement underscores the growing concern over the family’s situation and the need for legal support.
On January 30, 2026, the Zagazig Public Prosecution Office formally referred the case to the Zagazig Criminal Court for trial. The case highlights the devastating consequences of domestic violence and the urgent need for stronger protections for children in Egypt.
