What happened to Halawa and Sayeed, the couple convicted of FGM in Ireland?

Halawa and Sayeed, the only two people ever jailed for female genital mutilation (FGM) in Ireland, had their convictions quashed in 2021 after spending over two years in prison. Their successful appeal was based on significant failures in the translation services during their trial.

How did the translation issues impact Halawa and Sayeed's case?

The translation services during Halawa and Sayeed's trial were found to be severely inadequate, leading to crucial evidence and testimonies being misinterpreted. Experts highlighted numerous instances of the interpreters struggling to accurately translate legal terminology and even basic words, which ultimately denied the couple a fair trial.

What is Halawa and Sayeed seeking now after their convictions were overturned?

After having their convictions overturned, Halawa and Sayeed are now seeking a certificate of miscarriage of justice, as the ordeal has had a devastating impact on their family. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of ensuring equal access to justice for all, regardless of language barriers.

Home / Crime and Justice / Couple Jailed for FGM in Ireland Exonerated After Successful Appeal

Couple Jailed for FGM in Ireland Exonerated After Successful Appeal

15 Nov

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Summary

Couple jailed in 2019 for FGM on their daughter, convictions overturned in 2021
Failures in translation services led to unfair trial, according to court
Couple now seeking certificate of miscarriage of justice

Couple Jailed for FGM in Ireland Exonerated After Successful Appeal

In a shocking reversal of justice, a married couple in Ireland who were the only two people ever jailed for female genital mutilation (FGM) in the country have had their convictions overturned. Halawa and Sayeed (not their real names) were convicted in November 2019 and sentenced to over four and five years in prison respectively for allegedly committing FGM on their infant daughter Ayeesha (not her real name).

However, after spending more than two years behind bars, the couple's convictions were quashed in 2021 due to significant failures in the translation services during their trial. The case sheds light on the critical issues within the justice system's handling of non-English speaking defendants, with the couple originally hailing from African regions.