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Egypt to toughen penalties for female genital mutilation
Authorities plan to increase the jail terms, with harsher sentences if the mutilation leads to death or deformity
Female genital mutilation is practised by both Muslims and Christians in a number of African countries and in parts of the Middle East
Egyptian authorities are to increase the penalty for those who force women into genital mutilation.
The statutory prison term recommended for offenders had previously ranged from between three months and three years.
The cabinet in Egypt has approved plans to impose jail terms of between five and seven years, with harsher sentences if the imposed procedure leads to death or deformity.
FGM has been illegal in Egypt since 2008 but it remains widespread.
The procedure involves the partial or full removal of the external sex organs, supposedly to control women's sexuality.
It is practised by both Muslims and Christians in a number of African countries and in parts of the Middle East.
