Court postpones trial of Beit Fatim founder on indecent assault charges

The Cairo Criminal Court has postponed the trial of Mohamed Taher, founder of the Beit Fatim foundation, over charges of indecent assault and human trafficking of four girls.

• The Cairo Criminal Court postponed Taher's trial to Wednesday to complete procedures on a motion to recuse the bench.
• The prosecution charged Taher with indecent assault, sexual harassment, and human trafficking of four girls, allegedly exploiting their psychological and social conditions between 2017 and 2026.
• His defense sought the recusal and declined to plead after three victims testified; the court rejected its preliminary requests.
• Victims' lawyers demanded one million Egyptian pounds in compensation and the foundation's dissolution, while the prosecution sought the maximum penalty.
• During closing arguments, the prosecution urged the victims to be brave and trust in justice, and warned parents that weak family containment invites exploitation.
• The referral order separately charges Taher with assaulting two victims by force while abusing his authority over them.