Egyptian social media users have circulated images of a teenager who has been locked up for ten years by his mother.
According to local reports, the 17-year-old was held in a room by his mother in the province of Gharbia, north of Egypt, before being freed by police. His mum held him hostage following the death of his father.
State-owned newspaper, Al-Ahram, reported that the police intervened and ended the boy’s suffering after receiving a complaint from the neighbours.
The newspaper added that several neighbours went to a police station in the province and reported that they have heard sounds of whining coming from the house.
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Gharbia Security Directorate sent a police force to the victim’s house. When he was found police took him to a nearby hospital for assessment.
According to Al-Ahram, “the boy’s situation was immediately reported to competent authorities in addition to a medical report detailing his condition. Afterward, the youngster was referred to the Public Prosecution Office in order to carry on the investigations.”
Images circulating of the teen show him looking very slim with a long beard, wearing rags.
No details were given as to whether the mother will be prosecuted as a result.