Bouchra Marbouhi recounts the last time she saw her daughter on the morning of Friday, Sept. 26, before she was taken away by her father, Ahmed ElGammal, in defiance of a court order. Marbouhi sadly reminisces about the birthday card her daughter had made for her, a gift she never received. She expresses her deep longing for her daughter, recalling moments they shared and holding onto her daughter’s stuffed toy.
ElGammal, facing charges of parental abduction, flew out of the country with their daughter, despite Marbouhi’s efforts to prevent it through legal measures. Marbouhi sought protection from the court, fearing ElGammal’s intentions to take their daughter to his home country. The court issued a non-removal order, restricting the child’s travel without mutual consent, but it failed to prevent ElGammal from leaving with her.
Marbouhi’s distress is heightened by the lack of communication and cooperation from ElGammal and his family. Despite her attempts to ensure her daughter’s safety and well-being, she remains uncertain about her daughter’s current state. The legal complexities, including Marbouhi’s immigration status and the challenges of enforcing court orders in such cases, further compound the situation.
Efforts to locate the child and ensure her safety are ongoing, with authorities coordinating international checks. Marbouhi’s plea for her daughter’s return underscores the emotional turmoil and legal hurdles she faces in reuniting with her beloved daughter. The heartbreaking situation highlights the gaps in the system that leave parents like Marbouhi feeling helpless and betrayed by the very mechanisms meant to protect them.
