During a Thursday session held before the Nasr City Misdemeanor Court in Cairo, the Public Prosecution demanded the maximum statutory penalty be upheld against 18 defendants in the case of swimmer Yusuf Abdel Malik drowning during a national sports championship.
The prosecution’s request follows charges of gross negligence and a severe dereliction of duty which, according to investigations, directly contributed to the swimmer’s death.
In their oral argument, the prosecution representative emphasized that the evidence gathered—comprising testimonia
They asserted that the evidence clearly establishes the defendants’ liability, each according to their respective role, for breaching their professional duties and endangering lives.
The prosecution further reviewed findings from forensic reports and specialized technical committees. These reports ruled out any underlying medical conditions or sudden external factors, confirming instead that the tragedy was the direct result of a chain of organizational failures. These failures ranged from inadequate supervision and non-compliance with safety protocols to a critical lack of timely intervention.
The court has scheduled upcoming sessions to hear closing arguments from the defense, as the trial continues under intense scrutiny from the victim’s family and the media.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
