in a first for UK ,Ugandan woman convicted for female genital mutilation of daughter

The mother of a three-year-old girl became the first person in the United Kingdom to be convicted of female genital mutilation (FGM). The 37-year-old Ugandan woman residing in east London was convicted but her 34-year-old partner was acquitted by the jury. During an investigation, spells and curses were found at the Ugandan woman's home meant to deter police and social workers from entering the house.

The defendants denied any wrongdoing and an alternative charge of failing to protect a girl from the risk of genital mutilation. According to local media reports, the mother wept in the dock as she was convicted after Justice Whipple warned the woman of a "lengthy" prison term and remanded her into custody. The verdict will now be pronounced on 8 March.

FGM involves intentionally injuring the female external genitalia for non-medical reasons and carries a sentence of up to 14 years in jail in the UK.

During the trial, the woman alleged that her daughter fell on metal which ripped her private parts while she was trying to get a biscuit jar from the rack. The woman had told cops that her daughter was not wearing underwear when the accident occurred.

According to the girls’ medical report issued by Whipps Cross Hospital, in Leytonstone, she sustained grievous injuries due to which she lost a significant amount of blood

This is the first FGM conviction in the UK. It is a common practice in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, and is also encouraged by families who have settled in other countries