A criminal court has issued its verdict in the case involving the death of a young swimmer during a national championship event, sentencing the competition’s chief referee and three lifeguards to three years in prison for negligence leading to the incident.
Other defendants were acquitted of manslaughter charges, while a senior official was fined 5,000 EGP.
Investigations confirmed that the swimmer lost consciousness immediately after finishing the race and remained underwater long enough for water to fill his lungs, resulting in cardiac arrest and complete respiratory failure. The forensic report ruled out any medical conditions or prohibited substances, confirming drowning as the cause of death.
Prosecutors highlighted serious organizational shortcomings, including overcrowding, inadequate supervision, and insufficient technical oversight, which placed participating children at significant risk.
