Police in London are investigating the case of a baby from a British family of Malaysian origin, who was allegedly taken overseas for FGM when just a few months old.
The Evening Standard reports that the child’s parents did not realise that female genital mutilation (FGM) was illegal in the UK.
Medical staff reported the baby’s injury to the police, sparking the investigation.
The baby was subjected to type 4 FGM, which is not considered FGM in Somalia or Malaysia, but circumcision.
Head of Scotland Yard’s rape and child abuse command, Detective Chief Superintendent Keith Niven said that “ignorance of the law” was not an excuse, but declined to comment further on the case.
“If anyone thinks it might be legal overseas – and they can go there to get it done and they will not be prosecuted here – they are wrong,” he warned.
“If they have a footprint in this country, they are vulnerable to the law.”
“We will seek to prosecute, whatever type of FGM it is,” he added.
However, he said that police officers still met parents at airports who were not aware that FGM is illegal in the UK.
“There is some confusion – despite all the publicity.
“We are saying it’s not okay. It’s a strong message we want to get out, because now is the season.”
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