A man and a woman have been arrested for suspicion of conspiracy to commit Female Genital Mutilation or FGM, a practice that UN has deemed as torture. The arrests took place during the week long initiative, Operation Limelight which aimed to tackle the illegal practice, by educating airport officers and staff about the practice. The operation also includes identifying and approaching potential FGM victims, who according to Detective Constable Natalie Reseigh, would most likely be dressed to the nines with high heels, blue make up and beads, because of the celebratory nature of the practice. He also said that girls are likely to be travelling with a group of female relatives and those who have already undergone FGM may appear to be withdrawn and in pain. Bag and passenger checks were also carried out in order to aid in the identification of people who may have been taking girls abroad to have FGM performed.
The 38 year old woman, who is a British born Sierra Leonean was arrested at Heathrow airport on Thursday evening. At the time returning from a trip to the country with a 13 year old girl who has now been taken into care by social services. A 44 year old man was also arrested in Swansea a few days later in connection with the crime. Both have been bailed until the end of June
Police and airport staff in a joint effort with FGM victims spoke to various passengers on flights from countries with high FGM rates including Nigeria, Kenya and Sierra Leone. Officers spoke to 36 individuals. A Nigerian girl (whose age is yet to be determined) was also taken into care, and is thought to be the victim of human trafficking.
Detective Chief Superintendent Keith Niven of the Metropolitan Police Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command, said: “FGM is illegal and constitutes child abuse. Many communities are familiar with the practice but not of its health risks, the fact that it is illegal within the UK or that there is no religious basis to it.
“By holding this week of action we intend to raise awareness within communities where these offences are prevalent, by engaging with passengers travelling to and from countries where FGM is practised. We hope to educate and prevent anyone who may engage in this practice, as well as highlighting the support that is available for victims subjected to this horrific offence.”
