The Court of Cassation ruled to reject the appeal submitted by Nourhan Khalil, who murdered her mother, Dalia El-Houshi, in Port Said, and upheld the death sentence by hanging despite the withdrawal of the personal right by the defendant’s father. The decision came after a session that witnessed a last attempt to save Nourhan from the punishment, but the court rejected it due to the brutality of the crime and its impact on public opinion.

Execution upheld despite father's withdrawal

Nourhan’s father and the victim’s husband submitted a documented waiver of the personal right, yet the court rejected this waiver and insisted on carrying out the death sentence. Mahmoud El-Ghandour, the victim’s lawyer, stated that the verdict represents a victory for justice, emphasizing that “those who commit such brutal crimes must receive their just punishment.” He added that the ruling sends a strong message to anyone considering committing similar crimes, especially since the crime occurred inside the family home using violent tools employed by the defendant with the help of her friend Hussein.

Defendant’s appeal before the Court of Cassation

On the other hand, Heidi El-Fadaly, Nourhan’s defense lawyer, submitted an appeal memo citing six main reasons, including the court’s lack of jurisdiction, corruption in evidence, errors in applying the law, and invalidity of the trial procedures. The memo requested a temporary suspension of the sentence execution pending the appeal’s resolution.

Details of the crime and initial ruling

On February 18, the Port Said Criminal Court sentenced Nourhan to death by hanging after convicting her of killing her mother inside their home in the Al-Fayrouz neighborhood in Port Fouad, with the help of their neighbor. The defendant used a wooden stick fixed with nails and a glass cup to carry out the crime that shocked public opinion.

This ruling confirms the firm stance of the Egyptian judiciary in dealing with heinous domestic violence crimes and reflects the courts’ commitment to justice despite legal attempts to save the accused.