It has been discovered that two sisters aged 6 and 7 have been subjected to the barbaric practice of genital circumcision. Police claim that Sheik Shabbir Mohammedbhai Viziri told members of the Dawoodi Bohra community in the Sydney suburb of Auburn, to lie to police if questioned about the mutilations which occurred during the last 18 months at private homes in Sydney.
Sheik Viziri 56 of Auburn, Helen Magennis 68, a retired nurse of Campbelltown, and the children's parents have all been charged. The children are still in the care of their parents.
Police set up Strike Force Longfield after an anonymous tip to DOCS several months ago. Investigations are still continuing and police are appealing to anyone with information to come forward.
Viziri appeared in Burwood court yesterday on two counts of being an accessory after the fact to female genital mutilation and hindering the police investigation.
Magistrate Chris Longley granted him bail, much to the disgust of police who believe he is a flight risk. But the judge ordered Viziri to surrender his passport and he must report to Auburn police every day and will appear in Parramatta Court on September 26. The parents will also appear on that day. Magennis, the retired nurse who allegedly carried out the procedures, was also granted bail and will appear on October 3.
It's hard to believe that people living in the vibrant city of Sydney in 2012 continue to carry out this ancient, abhorrent custom that dates back to the dark ages.
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