In a tragic case known as the ‘Tanta Bride,’ the Criminal Court of Tanta in Gharbia Governorate, Third District, has reached a verdict sentencing the accused to death by hanging for the murder of his wife just 48 hours after their wedding.

The decision was made after the Grand Mufti issued a religious opinion on the matter. Presided over by Counselor Abdelhamid Mustafa Hindi, with the membership of Counselors Mahmoud Mohamed El-Rabeai, Ekrami Ramadan Youssef, and Mustafa Mohamed Darwish, the ruling was made in Case No. 10110 Misdemeanor, Tanta Center, registered under No. 1018 for the year 2023, West of Tanta.

The Tragic Incident

The incident occurred on April 29th in Tanta, Egypt when a newlywed woman named Aya El-Sherbiny was killed by her husband. The motive behind the murder was revealed to be the groom’s desire for sexual intercourse, which his wife refused. The groom, whose identity remains undisclosed, appeared in court on May 1st, and his detention was extended for another 15 days to allow for ongoing investigation. The public prosecutor’s office is yet to release an official statement on the case.

Unveiling the Truth

According to the groom’s statement, his patience had worn thin due to his wife’s repeated refusal to engage in sexual acts. He believed that as his religious right, he pressured her to participate in acts that were considered impermissible in Islam, as relayed by the victim’s sister.

However, the victim’s mother, during a live broadcast on the “Cairo 24” website, revealed the truth surrounding the matter. She disclosed that Aya had confided in her before her death, sharing that her husband had insisted on engaging in anal sex, citing the example of the people of Lot, which is considered a grave sin in Islam. Aya had asked her mother to keep the secret and advised her to be patient, believing that they were merely starting their new life together.

A Shocking Betrayal

The victim’s mother also expressed that she had observed no negative behavior from the groom towards her daughter during their engagement or visits. She had always treated him with kindness and respect, and if she had suspected any harm, she would have taken Aya with her.

Consequences and Lessons Learned

The groom’s actions are inexcusable, and he will face the full consequences of the law for his heinous crime. The murder of Aya El-Sherbiny serves as a tragic reminder of the importance of consent within all sexual relationships. No one possesses the right to coerce their partner into engaging in sexual acts against their will or contrary to their religious beliefs. It is crucial to foster a culture of consent and respect for all individuals, irrespective of their gender or sexual orientation.

The ‘Tanta Bride’ case has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the devastating consequences of sexual violence. This tragedy emphasizes the urgent need to educate and raise awareness about consent, ensuring that no one falls victim to such horrific acts.

Our deepest condolences go out to Aya’s loved ones, as we remember the many other women who have lost their lives due to sexual violence.