Last update:Nov 02, 2024, 15:41 IST

Sara Sharif’s father, Urfan Sharif, faces trial for alleged abuse, including forcing his daughter to do sit-ups before her death.

On Thursday, the court heard how her father literally beat the girl black. (@SalwanMomika3/X)

The UK trial of Urfan Sharif (42), his wife Beinash Batool (30) and his brother Faisal Malik (29) began this week, revealing details about the abuse suffered by British-Pakistani girl Sara Sharif, whose death in August of last year sparked an international lawsuit. hunt.

British prosecutors allege that the trio engaged in a prolonged campaign of violence against 10-year-old Sara before her body was found in her home in Surrey, the daily mail reported. During the proceedings, the court heard that Urfan Sharif forced Sara to do sit-ups all night as punishment for hiding her keys. Batool testified that after severe beatings, Sharif made Sara raise her arms for fear of breaking her limbs.

‘Beat Sara’

“I literally have to push Urfan out of the way and save Sara,” Batool allegedly told his sister Qandeela Saboohi in WhatsApp messages shared with the jury. In these messages, Batool described her husband as a “psychopath” who “beat the shit out of him.” Sara.” He expressed his anguish over Sara’s condition, saying that she had been “literally beaten black” and had fainted due to exhaustion. “She is covered in bruises, literally beaten black,” Batool said in a message .

She also revealed that Sharif ordered her to cover Sara’s bruises with makeup and sunglasses to prevent the teachers from noticing. The court was shown photographs of Sara’s injuries and told of incidents where she was physically assaulted for behavior considered “naughty” or “unruly.” In one case, Batool recounted how Sharif reacted violently after spilling hot tea, damaging furniture and threatening Sara. “He became furious,” she said, quoted by British media.

‘I lost it’

UK prosecutors allege that on August 8, 2023, Sharif killed Sara before fleeing to Pakistan with his family. From there, he contacted authorities to admit that he had “beat her too much.” A handwritten note found near Sara’s body said: “I swear to God my intention was not to kill her. But I lost it.”

Despite references from Sara’s school to visible bruising on the girl months before her death, social services took no further action, the British newspaper reported. Batool expressed regret for not having reported Sharif sooner, saying in messages: “If something happens to Sara, I won’t be able to forgive myself.” Jurors were shown a video capturing the moment police arrested the defendant upon his return from Pakistan on September 13. , 2023.

In the video, Batool is seen raising his hand and responding to police investigations with a statement: “I think they are looking for us.” All three defendants have pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and causing or permitting the death of a child. The trial continues as prosecutors present evidence detailing the abuse that led to Sara’s death.

Location :

London, United Kingdom (UK)