Beinash Batool, convicted of murdering her 10-year-old stepdaughter Sara Sharif, has requested that the inquest into the child's death be conducted with a jury. Batool and Sara's father, Urfan Sharif, were sentenced to life in prison in 2024 after the girl was found deceased at their Woking home.
Sara Sharif had endured a two-year "campaign of torture," which included numerous injuries such as bite marks, an iron burn, and scalding from hot water, according to post-mortem examination findings.
Dr. Anton van Dellen, Batool's lawyer, stated on Monday that a jury could help determine whether authorities failed Sara due to a fear of being accused of racism. He suggested that a "diverse local jury would provide a helpful perspective" in such a case.
A review conducted into Sara Sharif's death revealed that services in Surrey did not adequately investigate why the child began wearing a hijab that concealed bruising, a decision attributed to a "fear of causing offense." Neighbors had also reportedly expressed concerns about being labeled as racist if they reported their worries.