Marriage of two teenagers sparks off outrage in Egypt

The consummation of the engagement of a 12-year-old boy to his cousin, 11, has sparked off outrage and condemnation in Egypt.

The father of the groom was said to have announced the couple’s engagement and gave his blessing after Nasser Hassan’s eldest son’s lavish wedding.

According to Egyptian law, prohibits marriages for anyone under 18 and the decision for 12-year-old Omar and 11-year-old Gharam, to marry has sparked outrage among activists.

Despite condemnation, Hassan was quoted to have said that there was nothing “inappropriate” about the couple, adding that it was only an engagement, not a marriage.

It was learnt that a complaint has already been filed with the attorney general to investigate the incident and hold the parents accountable for this crime, as the girl will be deprived of equal chances to education, growth, and will isolate her from social spheres.

Omar’s father brushed off any criticism, saying that as a free man, he has the right to engage them and has not done  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. He added that they will get married when they reach the legal age.