Prosecutors in the Nile Delta governorate of Daqahliya on Tuesday released the doctor accused of causing the death of a girl during a female genital mutilation (FGM) operation. 

Soheir Mohamed El-Batea, 13, died on Thursday after undergoing the operation, illegal since 2008, performed by Dr Aslan Fadl.

Fadl had turned himself in to prosecutors. He claims the girl's family requested the operation and denies negligence.

Investigations continue.

El-Batea was rushed from the private clinic to hospital – where she died – immediately after the operation, Aswat Masriya news website said.

Her death was reportedly caused by a severe drop in blood pressure.

FGM was banned in Egypt in 2008. Penalties for engaging in the practice are between three months and two years in prison and fines of up to LE5000.

In February 2013, Egypt's High Constitutional Court rejected a lawsuit submitted by Islamist lawyers challenging the FGM ban.