CHILD ABUSE? Outrage As Boy, 12, Is Set To Marry 11-Year-Old Cousin

The intended marriage between two minors, Omar, a 12-year-old boy, and his 11-year-old cousin, Gharam, in Egypt, has received worldwide condemnation, sparking outrage among activists as Egyptian law prohibits marriages for anyone under 18.

Reports from Dailymail revealed that the engagement between the minors was announced by Omar‘s father, Nasser Hassan, at his eldest son’s lavish wedding. Mr Hassan had reportedly revealed Omar will be marrying Gharam to “double the joy” during the wedding in Egypt.

Regardless of the criticisms, Hassan has told local newspapers that there is “nothing inappropriate” about the engagement, insisting that it is simply “an engagement, not a marriage”.

While his family are also supportive of the wedding, activists have spoken out against the arranged union between the two minors.

Condemning the act, the head of the Women’s Center for Legal Aid and Counseling, Reda Eldanbouki, reported the incident to government agency, National Center for Childhood and Motherhood.

He also filed a complaint with the attorney general to investigate the incident and hold the parents accountable for this ‘crime,’ adding that their engagement ‘will only lead to an early marriage in which the girl will be deprived of equal chances to education, growth, and will isolate her from social spheres.’

Meanwhile, Omar‘s father has further brushed off criticisms, saying he ‘is a free man and did nothing wrong’.

”Omar has always loved Gharam so much that he used to say he will marry her when they grow up before any other man asks for her hand in marriage when she is older.

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They will get married when they reach the legal age,” he added.

He also revealed both children acted ‘beyond their years’ and had ‘strong feelings for each other’ through Facebook and other social media and ‘wanted to get engaged’.

Photo Credit: DailyMail