Bouchra Marbouhi recounted the last time she saw her daughter on the morning of Friday, September 26, as she prepared her for school. She mentioned to the girl that her father would be picking her up for a sleepover.
Marbouhi, 31, shared in a recent interview that her daughter had crafted a birthday card for her since her birthday was on the 29th. The mother kissed her daughter and asked about the card, which the girl promised to show her the next day.
However, Marbouhi never received the card as her five-year-old daughter has been missing for over a month after her father, Ahmed ElGammal, took her out of the country against a court order.
For privacy reasons, CBC News is not disclosing the child’s name.
Expressing her longing for her daughter, Marbouhi held onto her daughter’s stuffed toy, reminiscing about her daughter’s scent, voice, and playful nature.
Police in Newfoundland and Labrador have issued an arrest warrant for ElGammal, 36, on charges of parental abduction in violation of a custody order.
Marbouhi is eager to ensure her daughter’s well-being and reunite with her daughter.
Flight Abduction
Marbouhi shared text messages with CBC News where she asked ElGammal to return their daughter early the morning after the sleepover. ElGammal, however, informed her that they had left for their home country.
Marbouhi initially thought it was a mere threat but rushed to the St. John’s International Airport and contacted the police upon receiving confirmation.
According to the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, a report was filed about a child taken by a known individual on the evening of September 27.
The police are actively investigating and utilizing all resources to locate the child and ensure her safety.
Marbouhi had obtained a court order to prevent her daughter’s removal from the province due to her suspicions that ElGammal intended to take her to Egypt, his home country.
The court had ruled for the girl to primarily reside with her mother, but ElGammal disputed this decision in court filings.
Immigration Hurdles
Complicating the situation, Marbouhi, a Moroccan citizen, had her temporary resident permit application denied before her daughter was taken. The denial has prompted legal intervention for a judicial review.
Marbouhi is urgently seeking resolution to her immigration status to facilitate her return and reunification with her daughter.
Despite efforts to confirm the child’s safety and location, Marbouhi has not received assurance of her daughter’s well-being.
As Marbouhi navigates legal and immigration challenges, she remains hopeful for her daughter’s safe return and is actively seeking assistance from authorities.
With Halloween events canceled at the shelter this year, Marbouhi’s daughter, who was looking forward to dressing up as a princess, remains dearly missed.
