The Cairo Misdemeanor Court of Appeals has ruled in favor of accepting an appeal by four defendants, reducing their original three-year prison sentence to one year. The defendants were found guilty of attacking two café owners in the Amiriya district, leaving them with permanent disabilities in both eyes. According to investigations, the defendants threw chemical substances at the victims during a dispute.

On the day of the incident, the victims were present at their workplace when they witnessed a fight between the defendants and others. The victims attempted to intervene and calm the situation, but the defendants attacked them, throwing chemical substances that caused severe eye injuries. The investigation revealed that the defendants intended to harm the victims, resulting in permanent damage.

A police officer from the Amiriya police department reported that upon receiving the incident report, they immediately arrived at the scene and confirmed the defendants' attack on the victims using chemical substances. The officer was able to apprehend the defendants, and during a search of the first defendant, a white weapon was found.

A medical report by the Forensic Medicine Department stated that the first victim suffered from weakened vision in his left eye, with adhesions between parts of the conjunctiva and eyelid tissues, considered a permanent disability estimated at around 35%. The second victim suffered from corneal opacity in his left eye, leading to loss of vision, also considered a permanent disability estimated at around 35%.

The Public Prosecution had previously referred the defendants, identified as Hamada.M, 27, his brother Abdelkarem.M, 23, their cousin Mahmoud.F, 34, and Abdelrahman.H, 25, to criminal court. The charges included intentional assault on the victims, resulting in permanent disabilities, and possession of a white weapon without a legitimate reason.

The incident highlights the severity of violent crimes in Egypt and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable. The court's decision to reduce the sentences has sparked debate about the effectiveness of the justice system in addressing such cases.

The case raises concerns about public safety and the need for increased measures to prevent such incidents. Authorities have urged citizens to report any suspicious activity and to cooperate with law enforcement to maintain a safe environment.

Key points

  • Four defendants had their sentences reduced from three years to one year for attacking café owners with chemicals.
  • The victims suffered permanent disabilities in both eyes, with estimated losses of 35% vision.
  • The defendants were charged with intentional assault and possession of a white weapon.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.