Michigan doctors charged in America's first genital mutilation case - Child told they would 'get the germs out'

Dr. Fakhruddin Attar and his wife were arrested for FGM.

A Michigan doctor and his wife were arrested Friday for conspiracy, female genital mutilation (FGM) and aiding and abetting.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - FGM is known as the horrible mutilation of young girls' bodies in third world countries, but the United States has discovered two doctors conducting the illegal procedure in Livonia, Michigan.

Court documents revealed 53-year-old Dr. Fakhruddin Attar and his wife, 50-year-old Farida Attar, were arrested Friday, April 21 and each was charged with three federal crimes.

Detroit ER doctor Jumana Nagarwala, 44, was arrested April 12 for similar charges and is currently in jail awaiting trial.

Each of the defendants is part of a "religious and cultural community." Investigators believe they continue the dangerous practice of FGM, which leaves young girls without a clitoris or the clitoral hood.

According to WXYZ, Nagarwala's attorney alleges she was not mutilating young girls, she was simply performing a religious procedure. She claims there was no cutting involved but a criminal complaint revealed girls between six and 8-years-old were forced to undergo FGM in Livonia.

The complaint led the FBI to Attar's Burhani Medical Clinic, where Dr. Attar and his wife were arrested.

According to CNN, investigators watching the clinic saw two girls and their mothers arrive. When interviewing the children, it was revealed they believed they were going on a "special girls' trip."

One child said they were visiting the office because their "tummies hurt" and the doctor had to "get the germs out."

The other admitted after the procedure, "she could barely walk, and that she felt pain all the way down to her ankle."

Each child said their parents warned them not to talk about the procedure.

During the investigation, one couple attempted to claim the procedure was a "cleansing" of unnecessary skin.

The few girls who were victimized are believed to be only two of many.

Though she was arrested earlier, Nagarwala is accused of performing FGM with the Attars, though Attar's defense attorney claims his client is innocent.

"Dr. Attar is not aware of any crimes that occurred at his clinic," Mary Chartier shared. "He has confidence that he will be vindicated through the justice system because he has done nothing to violate the law."

Attar claimed Nagarwala used his clinic on girls who were treated for genital problems that were taken care of for free. He added his wife was present during the examinations to "comfort" the children and "hold their hands."

Chartier added: "Dr. Attar voluntarily spoke with the FBI without an attorney. He has no criminal history. He knew his colleague had been arrested, yet he continued to live in his home and work at his clinic serving his patients. He certainly did not try to flee. He is a respected and trusted community member.

"The court did not ask for a plea at the initial appearance, but Dr. Attar is pleading not guilty and will be vigorously defending against these charges."

Farida Attar's attorney, Matt Newburg, said his "client has not admitted guilt" either and has not entered a plea, "but we look forward to defending the case against her."

Meanwhile, Nagarwala has also been found to not have a criminal history, though she still stands charged with FGM, transportation with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity and conspiracy, and making a false statement to a federal officer."

Her employer, the Henry Ford Health System, stated: "[T]he alleged criminal activity did not occur at any Henry Ford facility. We would never support or condone anything related to this practice. The doctor was immediately placed on administrative leave and her clinical privileges have been suspended."

The victims' parents have not been charged with any crimes and a detention hearing for the Attars is scheduled for April 26.

If you suspect anyone of performing female genital mutilation or if you know a victim, please report the activity to the FBI at 800-CALL-FBI (224-5984) or go online at FBI.GOV/FGM.

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