Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Egypt’s Public Prosecution has issued a strict order banning the publication of any information that could reveal the identities of victims or witnesses in a sensitive sexual assault case involving four young women, stressing the need to safeguard their privacy and dignity.
The decision comes as prosecutors continue investigations into accusations against a suspect charged with sexually assaulting multiple victims. Authorities have ordered the detention of the accused pending further investigation, following his interrogation and the collection of testimonies from victims and witnesses.
According to the Public Prosecution, initial findings and statements presented during questioning led to the suspect admitting involvement in some of the reported incidents.
The case first came to light after Egypt’s Child, Persons with Disabilities, and Elderly Protection Office within the Public Prosecution monitored reports circulating about alleged assaults committed by the suspect. Prosecutors swiftly moved to launch a formal investigation.
Testimonies revealed that three of the victims were assaulted in separate incidents between 2022 and 2025, including at an unlicensed premises operated under the cover of a non-profit entity in the Garden City district of Cairo. A fourth victim reported a separate incident dating back to 2017.
Investigators found that the victims had approached the accused seeking psychological support and recovery assistance due to difficult social and family circumstances, including exposure to domestic violence. The suspect is accused of exploiting this vulnerability to commit the alleged crimes.
The prosecution also heard testimony from an employee at the location where some incidents reportedly occurred. The witness stated that the suspect would, on multiple occasions, deliberately adjust work schedules, either dismissing staff early or delaying their arrival, to create opportunities to be alone and carry out the assaults.
Authorities have seized and examined the suspect’s mobile phone and electronic devices, and ordered police investigations as well as inquiries by the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit. Investigations remain ongoing.
The Public Prosecution emphasized that all proceedings are being conducted with strict confidentiality to ensure the protection of victims and witnesses, in accordance with Article 113 bis of the Criminal Procedures Law.
In a firm warning, prosecutors urged the public and media outlets to refrain from publishing or sharing any details that could directly or indirectly reveal the identities of those involved, stressing that legal action will be taken against violators.
The move underscores Egypt’s commitment to enforcing the rule of law while ensuring the protection of victims in sensitive criminal cases.
