New Push to Drop Sex-Assault Charges for Genital-Mutilating Doctor

The Michigan doctor who is charged with mutilating the genitals of several young girls could face up to life in prison if convicted, but her lawyers will appear in federal court Tuesday and argue that one of the most serious charges should be dropped.

Dr. Jumana Nagarwala, a devout Shia Muslim living in the Detroit area, is charged with conspiracy, genital mutilation, transporting minors with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, lying to a federal agent and obstructing an official proceeding.

Attorney Elizabeth Yore, international child advocate and head of the EndFGMToday initiative, says the charge of “transporting minors with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity” is significant, warranted and appropriate.

“Federal prosecutors correctly argue that FGM is sexual assault,” she said.

But, according to MLive.com, a Michigan news site, Nagarwala’s attorney, Shannon Smith, is seeking to have the sexual assault charges thrown out on the grounds that mutilating little girls’ genitals does not give sexual gratification to the perpetrator and therefore cannot be considered a sexual assault. (Read more from “New Push to Drop Sex-Assault Charges for Genital-Mutilating Doctor” HERE)

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