Woman Sexually Assaulted Monkey In Pet Shop, Gets 3-Year Imprisonment

A woman who sexually assaulted a monkey in a pet shop in Egypt, was sentenced to three years in prison Thursday, according to local reports. The incident took place in the Mansoura city.

The 25-year-old housewife, only identified by her first name Nesma, was charged with inciting sedition and provoking emotions and lewd acts in public by the Mansoura Misdemeanor Court. A video of the incident went viral on social media platforms in October, showing the woman touching the genitals of the monkey.

Local media reported that she intended to arouse the monkey’s sexual instincts, even as it was caged in a shop.

During investigation, police found that the woman had previously been charged in a prostitution case and was trying to promote herself by using this video. After the video was released, police arrested the woman who confessed to the incident.

In her statement to prosecutors, the woman claimed that she was petting the animal and had no other intention. She also said the video was uploaded online without her knowledge. She also said that the incident was part of a joke and she did not realize that it was being filmed by her friend.

In a similar incident in 2017, a guard was accused of sexually assaulting an adult female monkey in the western Indian state of Maharashtra. The watchman allegedly kept the animal tied for almost two years to a tree. Sangeeta Ruia, an Animal Welfare Officer (AWO), alleged, “I saw the monkey in a compromising position with the watchman.” However, no action was taken against the watchman at the time.

“The officials told me that they would take the monkey along with them and take necessary action according to their rules. I had asked them to update me as soon as medical tests on the monkey are done. However, I’m yet to hear from them,” alleged Ruia.

Pawan Sharma, founder of Resqink Association of Wildlife Welfare (RAWW) who closely works with the department, said at the time: “Monkeys are the most exploited and ignored species when it comes to their management and welfare tasks. We are working on these issues with the forest department to ensure that they are immediately addressed. We are looking out for alternatives till an independent rescue facility of the forest department for the city is ready.”