In a recent ruling, a Cairo criminal appeal court acquitted an Uber driver of the charge of attempting to kidnap 24-year-old Habiba Al-Shamaa, who tragically died after sustaining injuries from jumping out of the moving vehicle during a ride in Cairo. However, the court sentenced the driver to five years in prison for drug possession and use.
This ruling marks a significant reduction from the earlier verdict in April, where the driver had been sentenced to 15 years in prison, fined LE 50,000, and had his driver’s license revoked. The current ruling is not final and can be appealed, with the Court of Cassation having the ultimate authority to uphold or reduce the sentence.
Background of the Case
Habiba Al-Shamaa passed away on March 14 after spending three weeks in a coma due to a brain hemorrhage caused by the incident on the Cairo-Suez Road. The case stirred public outrage and raised concerns about the safety protocols of ride-hailing services in Egypt.
The incident gained significant attention when Habiba’s mother revealed that President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi had personally monitored her daughter’s health condition. Following the tragedy, the 34-year-old driver was charged with attempting to kidnap Habiba, possessing hashish, and driving under the influence of drugs.
Controversial Acquittal
The driver’s acquittal on the kidnapping charge comes despite an eyewitness account, where the witness claimed that Habiba told him, “Uber [driver] wanted to kidnap me,” moments before losing consciousness. The driver’s actions immediately following the incident, where he fled the scene without offering assistance, further fueled suspicions and led to widespread public disapproval.
The driver later told police that he fled the scene to avoid potential trouble, according to a statement by the Ministry of Interior.
Uber’s Involvement and Safety Concerns
Uber’s legal representatives informed investigators that the company had deactivated the driver’s account due to multiple customer complaints. Despite this, the driver allegedly resumed working with the app using a false national ID number.
The case has highlighted critical issues regarding the safety measures employed by ride-hailing companies in Egypt, sparking calls for stricter regulations and more robust verification processes to protect passengers.
As the case moves to the Court of Cassation, the final outcome remains to be seen, with many closely watching how the judiciary will handle the driver’s appeal.
