Bouchra Marbouhi recalled the last time she saw her daughter on a Friday morning, September 26, as she prepared her for school and informed her that her father would be taking her for a sleepover. The mother, aged 31, mentioned in a recent interview that her daughter had made her a birthday card for her upcoming birthday on the 29th. However, Marbouhi never received the card as her daughter was taken by her father, Ahmed ElGammal, against a court order meant to prevent such actions. The child’s identity is being protected by CBC News.
Marbouhi expressed her deep longing for her daughter, reminiscing about her scent, voice, and playful nature. Despite efforts, she has not seen her five-year-old daughter in over a month. An arrest warrant was issued for ElGammal by the police in Newfoundland and Labrador on charges of parental abduction in violation of a custody order.
Marbouhi shared her distress over the situation, revealing text messages where ElGammal indicated he had taken their daughter out of the country. The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary confirmed receiving a report of the child’s abduction and assured ongoing efforts to locate her.
The mother had taken legal steps to prevent her daughter’s removal from the province due to concerns about ElGammal taking her to Egypt. However, ElGammal’s actions surpassed the court orders, leading to the child’s removal from Canada. Marbouhi emphasized her frustration with the lack of enforcement mechanisms for court orders in such cases.
Marbouhi’s immigration status further complicates the situation, with her temporary resident permit application being denied before her daughter’s abduction. Efforts to expedite her case have been initiated, but the uncertainty surrounding her daughter’s safety remains. Marbouhi continues to seek assurance about her daughter’s well-being, hoping for a swift resolution to reunite with her child.