Sisi checks on health of girl knocked unconscious after jumping out of Uber car out of fear of being abducted

CAIRO – February 26, 2024: President Abdel Fattah El Sisi made a phone call to the family of a young girl, Habiba Al Shamaa, who was seriously injured after jumping out of an Uber car out of fear of being abducted and sexually assaulted by the driver in Al Shorouk City, located in the Eastern Area of Cairo, on February 21.

Dina Ismail, Habiba’s mother, spoke to the Al Taseaa talk show on Channel I, on Monday, confirming that President Sisi reached out to inquire about Habiba's health condition and offered to provide any necessary assistance, including support for potential overseas treatment. Ismail expressed gratitude to President Sisi for his concern and caring.

The Ministry of Interior issued a statement indicating that the Shorouk Police Department in the Cairo Security Directorate received a report from a hospital in Shorouk following Habiba’s case. She was admitted to the hospital in a critical condition with head injuries and a disturbed level of consciousness.

An eyewitness informed the police that he observed the girl opening the backdoor of the car and jumping out. Prior to losing consciousness, she reportedly informed the eyewitness that the driver attempted to abduct and assault her. Since February 21, Habiba has remained unconscious, with a cognitive ability rated at 3 out of 15 due to a brain hemorrhage.

The Uber driver was initially detained for four days pending investigations following a public prosecution order. Subsequently, he was further imprisoned for over 15 days pending ongoing investigations.

The driver admitted to the crimes, claiming that when he closed the car windows and sprayed perfume, he was startled by the girl jumping out of the car. However, he continued driving without stopping out of fear of reprisal or arrest.

The company's official spokesman commented on the incident, expressing deep sadness about what happened. They stated that the company is cooperating fully with the investigating authorities to ensure that all necessary measures are taken.

A legal expert and human rights lawyer reportedly filed a lawsuit against Uber company with the public prosecution, citing the driver's documented previous criminal record, as reported by Cairo 24.

Lawmaker Amal Salama, a member of the Human Rights Committee in the House of Representatives, submitted a briefing to House Speaker Hanafi Jabali, urging Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly to enact stricter procedures and regulations for the employment of drivers in ride-hailing companies operating in Egypt.