Cairo Criminal Court Reduces Uber Driver's Sentence in Habiba El Shamaa Case
In a significant development, the Cairo Criminal Court of Appeals in the Fifth Settlement ruled on Thursday, August 22, to reduce the prison sentence of the Uber driver convicted in the case of Habiba El Shamaa. The court accepted the driver's appeal, reducing his original 15-year sentence to five years and imposing a 10,000 EGP fine. The driver has also been cleared of the kidnapping charge.
1. Initial Sentence
Initially, the Cairo Criminal Court had sentenced the Uber driver to 15 years in prison, along with a hefty fine of 50,000 EGP, and revoked his driver's license. This decision was met with strong reactions from the public, particularly due to the circumstances surrounding the case.
2. The Incident
Habiba El Shamaa tragically passed away on March 14 after sustaining severe injuries when she jumped from the Uber driver’s vehicle. The case quickly gained public attention, with many expressing outrage and concern over the safety of ride-hailing services in Egypt.
During the investigation, it was revealed that the first person who encountered Habiba after she jumped from the car heard her claim that the driver had attempted to kidnap her. She reportedly said, "Uber wanted to kidnap me," a statement that fueled further public outcry.
3. Uber's Involvement
An Uber representative testified during the trial, revealing that the accused driver had previously had his account deactivated due to multiple user complaints. However, the driver managed to bypass this by creating a new account using a different ID number, allowing him to continue operating on the platform.
4. Forensic Evidence
Forensic reports confirmed that the driver had tested positive for hashish, with both blood and urine samples indicating the presence of the substance. This added another layer of concern regarding the safety protocols of ride-hailing services and the vetting process for drivers.
5. Public Reaction and Calls for Reform
The death of Habiba El Shamaa has sparked widespread public outrage and led to increased calls for urgent reforms in Egypt’s ride-hailing industry. Social media has been flooded with demands for stricter regulations, better safety measures, and more accountability for ride-hailing companies.
Finally
The reduction in the driver's sentence has added to the ongoing debate about safety and justice in Egypt's transportation sector. As the public continues to call for changes to ensure the safety of passengers, the tragic case of Habiba El Shamaa remains a poignant reminder of the need for improved oversight and regulation in the ride-hailing industry.
