El-Sayed Gamal El-Din - Ahram

A Cairo criminal court has set 15 April to start the trial of the defendant in Habiba El-Shamaa’s alleged attempted kidnapping case in an urgent session. 

The Public Prosecution has referred Uber driver Mahmoud Hashem, 34, to a criminal court for attempting to kidnap El-Shamaa, 24, possessing hashish, and driving a motor vehicle while under drugs influence.

The victim reportedly jumped out of the high-speed ride-hailing car to escape, sustaining a brain hemorrhage that left her in a coma. El-Shamaa died last week after a 21-day coma.

On 27 February, an investigating judge ordered a 15-day detention pending investigation for the driver. After throwing herself from the car, El-Shamaa said: "Uber wanted to kidnap me," the first witness, who attempted to help her, said when questioned.

The Uber legal representative said the company had previously closed the defendant’s account due to numerous complaints against him. However, he had created a fake account and used the application through another national ID number.

Moreover, the Public Prosecution has reviewed the previous complaints filed against the defendant, to find another sexual harassment complaint from another woman.

The defendant’s blood and urine analysis has revealed his use of hashish, as confirmed by a forensic report. The incident has sparked public scrutiny over safety concerns in ride-hailing services.

President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi had personally followed up on El-Shamaa’s health condition, according to her mother, before she passed away.