Bouchra Marbouhi recalls the last time she saw her daughter on the morning of Friday, Sept. 26, as she prepared her for school and mentioned her father would pick her up for a sleepover. Marbouhi mentioned that her daughter had made a birthday card for her upcoming birthday on the 29th, but she never received it. The five-year-old girl has been missing for over a month after being taken out of the country by her father, Ahmed ElGammal, contrary to a court order. The child’s identity is being protected for privacy reasons.
Marbouhi expressed her deep longing for her daughter, reminiscing about her scent, voice, and playful nature. Despite a court-issued non-removal order, ElGammal is wanted for parental abduction in defiance of a custody order by the police in Newfoundland and Labrador. Marbouhi is eager to ensure her daughter’s safety and bring her back home.
Text messages provided by Marbouhi revealed that ElGammal informed her of their departure from the country the day after the sleepover, indicating that he had taken their daughter back to their homeland. Concerned, Marbouhi immediately reported the incident to the authorities upon receiving this information.
The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary confirmed receiving a report of the child being taken by a known person on the evening of Sept. 27. An active investigation is ongoing to locate and ensure the child’s safety, although the case did not meet the criteria for an Amber Alert.
Marbouhi had anticipated ElGammal’s intentions to take their daughter to Egypt and had obtained a court order preventing the child’s removal from the province. However, the lack of enforcement mechanisms in such cases has left her questioning the effectiveness of the legal system. ElGammal’s sudden departure with their daughter has intensified Marbouhi’s concerns for her safety.
Marbouhi’s immigration status adds complexity to the situation, as her temporary resident permit application was denied just before her daughter was taken. Efforts are underway to expedite the review process to allow her to return and reunite with her child.
Despite ongoing efforts and requests for a wellness check, Marbouhi remains uncertain about her daughter’s well-being. The legal hurdles, lack of extradition treaty with Egypt, and bureaucratic delays have hindered the process of ensuring the child’s safety and swift return.
As Marbouhi continues to seek answers and assistance, the situation remains unresolved, leaving a mother desperate for the safe return of her beloved daughter.