Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The mother of a young girl who allegedly died after being tortured by her father has said she will pursue the case against her former husband until justice prevails. Five-year-old Luma died a few days ago at Shumaisy Hospital in Riyadh where she was admitted last May in an unconscious state. She had suffered internal bleeding due to skull fracture in addition to multiple injuries on her body, according the doctors. The girl's mother said Luma had sustained the injuries after her father hit her repeatedly in an attempt to discipline her. She accused her Egyptian ex-husband and his current wife of constantly mistreating the girl. The woman said she had realized the hostile nature latent in her Egyptian husband within three months of their marriage. She said he used to beat her and abuse drugs, and was unemployed. He practiced preaching only as a front to hide his criminal behavior, the woman claimed. Luma's mother separated from her husband after she became pregnant. On giving birth, the Egyptian asked her to return to him, swearing he had changed. Her return did not change anything, and she filed for divorce when Luma was three years old. Nine months after the divorce, she was informed that her child — who was with the father — was admitted to hospital. The father claimed that the child incurred bodily injuries while playing. She asked the girl to be transferred to a hospital in the Eastern Province, but she had already died. Her only wish, she said, is that this case will end with the execution of her ex-husband. Informed sources said a wrong diagnosis was one of the reasons for the child's death. The resident doctor ordered her transfer from the intensive care unit to a normal patient's bed, completely ignoring medical reports. A day later she succumbed to her injuries. Luma's mother is also demanding the prosecution of the intensive care unit's director for the critical error. The girl's body has been lying in the mortuary since Oct. 21 and the mother is asking the authorities to release the body for burial. Riyadh police spokesman Fawwaz Al-Maiman said that the father was transferred to the general penitentiary, awaiting trial. All legal procedures were taken, and the case is referred to the Bureau of Investigation and Public Prosecution.
