An Egyptian court sentenced on Sunday a man to five years in prison and imposed a hefty fine after he attempted to sell his son on Facebook, according to Egyptian media reports.
The Cairo Criminal Court found the man guilty of human trafficking, ruling that he had offered his child for sale on the social media platform as a desperate solution to a financial crisis. Along with the prison sentence, the court ordered the defendant to pay a fine of EGP 100,000 (approximately USD 3,240).
The case, which first emerged earlier this year, was investigated by the Egyptian Public Prosecution. According to court documents, the man turned to social media to offer his son for sale after struggling with severe financial difficulties.
Authorities were alerted to the post, prompting an investigation by the internet crimes unit, which identified the man.
Upon arrest, the father reportedly confessed to his actions, explaining that his dire financial situation had led him to make the unthinkable decision.