An Egyptian court has ruled that it lacks jurisdiction in the case of Silvana Atef, a minor who has been missing since 28 October.
Silvana is a minor diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). According to information provided by her family and legal counsel, she is currently being held in the home of a man known as “Saher” in the village of Al-Aziziyah, Tamiya District, Fayoum Governorate. The family reports that she has been separated from her parents and deprived of her regular medical care.
Available accounts indicate that Silvana attempted to leave the location on more than one occasion, but was returned each time.
According to the family, multiple legal steps were taken following her disappearance:
- A report was filed with the police, after which Silvana was located. However, she was not returned to her familyand was instead brought back to the same location.
- The matter was referred to the Public Prosecution, which ordered her release but did not ensure her return to her parents. The family states that she was transported back in a police vehicle.
- Her legal representative, Mr. Maged Younan, submitted several complaints, including one to the Public Prosecutor’s Office in Beni Suef, without a substantive response.
- Appeals were also submitted to the Office of the President of the Republic, without receiving an official reply.
Subsequently, the family initiated judicial proceedings. One court session was postponed due to the absence of the individual described in the case file as the minor’s “husband.” On 28 January, the court issued its decision declaring lack of jurisdiction.
The court’s ruling did not provide a clear explanation as to the scope of the jurisdictional finding, particularly with respect to allegations concerning:
- the abduction of a minor,
- the unlawful detention of a child with a disability, and
- the absence of safeguards required under Egyptian law for the protection of minors.
The case has raised serious concerns among legal observers regarding the effectiveness of legal remedies available to families seeking protection for minors, as well as the handling of cases involving children with disabilities.
As of this writing, Silvana has not been returned to her family, and no judicial or prosecutorial body has issued a decision clarifying responsibility for her protection or custody.
