LIVONIA, Mich. – A Livonia clinic owner and his wife are accused of helping a doctor perform female genital mutilation on minor females.
Dr. Fakhruddin Attar, 53, and his wife, Farida Attar, 50, are charged with conspiracy to commit female genital mutilation (FGM) and aiding and abetting FGM. Dr. Attar owns Burhani Medical Clinic (BMC) on Farmington Road in Livonia where his wife is employed as an office manager. The Attars were arrested Friday morning as part of a raid at the clinic, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
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View the criminal complaint here.
The husband and wife are accused of allowing Dr. Jumana Nagarwala to perform the illegal procedures at the clinic. Moreover, Farida Attar is accused of helping the doctor perform the procedures.
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Nagarwala and the Attars are believed to be the first people charged under 18 U.S.C. 116, which criminalizes FGM, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Nagarwala, 44, of Northville, was arrested April 12 and ordered detained April 17 as her trial is pending. She is charged with performing female genital mutilation (FGM) on girls who were 6 to 8 years old at a medical office in Livonia.
"According to the complaint, despite her oath to care for her patients, Dr. Nagarwala is alleged to have performed horrifying acts of brutality on the most vulnerable victims," acting assistant Attorney General Blanco said. "The Department of Justice is committed to stopping female genital mutilation in this country, and will use the full power of the law to ensure that no girls suffer such physical and emotional abuse."
READ: Female genital mutilation: What is it, cultural and social factors