Egypt: Staged shooting between friends turns deadly, leaving one killed, other charged

Under Egyptian law, involuntary manslaughter can carry a prison sentence of up to 7 years

Last updated: August 10, 2025 | 20:54

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IANS

Dubai: What was meant to be a staged shooting between two friends in southern Egypt turned into a fatal tragedy when one of them fired a shot that killed the other, security officials said.

According to local media reports, the incident occurred in the village of Zliten, near Nag Hammadi in Qena Governorate. Police say the plan was hatched after the victim, who had an ongoing land dispute with a relative, decided to frame his adversary. He allegedly asked his friend to inflict a minor gunshot wound so that he could accuse the relative of attempted murder.

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But the bullet struck a vital area, killing the man instantly. Emergency responders and doctors were unable to save him. A security source in Qena said the victim and his friend believed the injury would be minor. The friend has been arrested and is now facing legal proceedings on charges of involuntary manslaughter, unlawful possession of a firearm, and conspiracy to falsely implicate another person.

Initial investigations suggest the primary motive was to pressure the victim’s relative into dropping previous police complaints filed during their land dispute. The victim’s body has been moved to Nag Hammadi General Hospital morgue pending further investigation.

Under Egyptian law, involuntary manslaughter can carry a prison sentence of up to seven years, while illegal possession of a firearm can result in a year’s imprisonment and a fine.

Khitam Al Amir

With over 30 years of journalistic experience spanning from Jordan to the UAE, Khitam has spent the past 22 years reporting on national and regional news from Dubai, with a strong focus on the UAE, GCC and broader Arab affairs. As Chief News Editor, she brings extensive expertise in delivering breaking and engaging news to readers. Beginning her tenure as a translator, she advanced through roles as Senior Translator and Chief Translator before transitioning to editorial positions, culminating in her current leadership role. Her responsibilities encompass monitoring breaking news across the UAE and the broader Arab region, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination to the public. Born into a family of journalists, Khitam's passion for news was ignited early in life. A defining moment in her youth occurred in September 1985 when she had the opportunity to converse with the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during her visit to a Palestinian refugee camp north of Amman. During this encounter, Khitam shared her family's experiences of displacement from their home in Palestine and their subsequent refuge in Jordan. This poignant interaction not only deepened her understanding of geopolitical issues but also solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in journalism, aiming to shed light on the stories of those affected by regional conflicts. Khitam’s commitment to accurate and timely reporting drives her to seek out news that interests readers, making her a trusted source for news on the UAE and the broader Gulf region.

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