Driver referred to criminal court for attempted kidnapping of Habiba Shamaa

Ahram Online , Monday 25 Mar 2024

The Public Prosecution referred its suspect in the alleged attempted kidnapping of Habiba El-Shamaa to criminal court for, in addition to attempted kidnapping, possessing illegal drugs and driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs.

criminal court

 

Habiba El-Shamaa, the victim of an alleged attempted kidnapping in a car affiliated with the popular ride-hailing app Uber, died last week after 21 days in a coma.

The 24-year-old woman reportedly jumped out of the high-speed car to escape, sustaining a brain haemorrhage that left her in a coma.

On 27 February, an investigating judge ordered a 15-day detention pending investigation for the driver.

Habiba’s mother cited eyewitness reports that her daughter had told passersby that the “Uber [driver] was about to kidnap me” before she lost consciousness.

The prosecution’s investigation, which included an interview with one of the passersby, corroborated this account.

The legal representative for Uber revealed to the prosecution that the suspect's account had previously been closed by the company due to numerous complaints against him, including for physically harassing a woman.

However, he had created another account using a different national ID number, Uber told the prosecution.

The prosecution also said that the suspect’s blood and urine tested positive for illegal drugs (hashish).

The incident has sparked public scrutiny over safety concerns in ride-hailing services.

President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi has personally followed up on her health condition, according to her mother.

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