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.

The successful appeal was built on the grounds of the couple not receiving a fair trial, as the translation services 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 like "standing" and "sitting."

With the convictions overturned, Halawa and Sayeed have now returned home to their three young children. They are currently 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.