FORCED “VIRGINITY tests” on women detainees were ruled illegal in Egypt yesterday, after a court ordered the practice to stop.
Hundreds of activists were in the Cairo courtroom to hear the judge, Aly Fekry, say the army could not use the test on women held in military prisons. This was in connection with a case filed by Samira Ibrahim, one of seven women subjected to the test after being arrested in Tahrir Square during a protest on March 9th.
The judge, head of the Cairo administrative court, decreed that what happened to Ms Ibrahim and six other detainees was illegal and any similar occurrence in the future would also be considered illegal.
The court is expected to issue a further injunction against such tests and decree that the test was completely illegal, opening the door for financial compensation.
After the verdict, Ms Ibrahim posted on Twitter: “Thank you to the people, thank you to Tahrir Square that taught me to challenge, thank you to the revolution that taught me perseverance.”
The 25-year-old marketing manager, who said she faced death threats for bringing the case, told CNN: “Justice has been served today. These tests are a crime and also do not comply with the constitution, which states equality between men and women. I will not give up my rights as a woman or a human being.”
Ms Ibrahim said her treatment showed the tests were intended to “degrade the protesters”.
“The military tortured me, labelled me a prostitute and humiliated me by forcing on me a virginity test conducted by a male doctor where my body was fully exposed while military soldiers watched.”
After the verdict, she and others, including the presidential candidate and former broadcaster Bothaina Kamel, marched to Tahrir Square. Ms Ibrahim was later photographed at Kaser el-Nil bridge giving the victory sign. – ( Guardianservice)