The stepmother of Sara Sharif, the 10-year-old lady discovered useless at her residence final month, has spoken for the primary time in a video shared with Sky News and stated the household is prepared to co-operate with British authorities and “fight our case in court”.
Police need to communicate to Sara’s father Urfan Sharif, 41, his companion Beinash Batool, 29, and his brother Faisal Shahzad Malik, 28, who’re all believed to have travelled from the UK to Pakistan the day earlier than the lady’s physique was discovered at her residence in Woking.
In a brand new video, Mr Sharif and Ms Batool are sitting side-by-side as she reads a ready assertion from a pocket book.
She denies media studies that Mr Sharif’s brother Imran stated Sara fell down the steps and claims the household has “gone into hiding”.
“Firstly, I would like to talk about Sara. Sara’s death was an incident. Our family in Pakistan are severely affected by all that is going on,” Ms Batool stated.
Sara Sharif was discovered useless at her residence in Woking. Pic: AP
Surrey Police has labelled the video “significant” and stated they’re working with worldwide companions equivalent to Interpol “to determine the next steps”.
They added that the welfare of the 5 kids who travelled to Pakistan with Mr Sharif and Ms Batool “is a priority”.
In the video, Ms Batool spoke concerning the fear she has for the household’s security and claimed they’ve been misrepresented within the press.
“All the media have been giving flawed statements and making up lies.
“Imran [one of Mr Sharif’s brothers] didn’t give a assertion that Sara fell down the steps and broke her neck. This was unfold by a Pakistani media outlet. I’m very fearful about Imran’s security.”
She claims they’re working out of meals and are unable to enterprise exterior.
“All of our family members have gone into hiding as everyone is scared for their safety.
“The youngsters are unable to attend faculty as they’re afraid to go away the home. No one is leaving the home.
“The groceries have run out and there is no food for the kids as the adults are unable to leave their homes out of fear for safety.”
Sara’s father and stepmother prepared to ‘battle case in court docket’
Despite apparently leaving for Pakistan the day earlier than Sara’s physique was found, Ms Batool insists she, alongside together with her husband and brother-in-law need to assist resolve the state of affairs.
“Lastly, we are willing to cooperate with the UK authorities and fight our case in court.”
A autopsy examination final month revealed Sara had “suffered multiple and extensive injuries” that had been “likely to have been caused over a sustained and extended period of time”.
Her explanation for loss of life has but to be decided – however an inquest has heard it’s “likely to be unnatural”.
She was beforehand identified to authorities, based on Surrey County Council, whereas Surrey Police stated that they had “limited and historic contact” with Sara’s household.
Police imagine the three travelled to Pakistan’s capital Islamabad with 5 kids aged between one and 13 on 9 August – at some point earlier than Sara’s physique was discovered.
Speaking to Sky News in the present day in Pakistan, Sara’s grandfather Muhammad Sharif stated: “Nobody can hide for a long time. No-one can survive in hiding for long periods.
“Islam teaches that culprits must be punished and reduction must be given to harmless individuals.”
Sara’s mother describes moment she identified schoolgirl
The couple’s statement comes after Sara’s mother Olga Sharif spoke of the harrowing experience of going to view her daughter’s body.
Speaking to Polish TV programme Uwaga! she said: “One of her cheeks was swollen and the opposite facet was bruised.
“Even now, when I close my eyes I can see what my baby looked like.”
She stated within the interview she had separated from her husband in 2015, and Sara and her older brother had been dwelling together with her till 2019 when the household court docket dominated they need to reside with their father.
Ms Sharif nonetheless had equal rights to see the kids and stated whereas that was simple to take care of initially it turned more and more tougher over time.
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‘Sara’s cheeks had been swollen and bruised’
Read extra:
School pays tribute to ‘bubbly and assured’ Sara
Trio booked flights to Pakistan a day earlier than physique discovered
Mr Sharif known as 999 from Pakistan on 10 August, expressing concern for Sara’s security, based on officers.
Police in Pakistan have been making an attempt their “level best” to find the household, whereas Interpol and different companies are additionally concerned within the hunt to search out them.
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Sara Sharif’s grandfather makes plea to son
Sara’s grandfather urged his son in latest days to “present himself” to police and provides his “point of view” following the lady’s loss of life.
Muhammad Sharif, 68, advised Sky News: “We appeal to the police to release my family members.
“I’ve tried my greatest to contact Urfan and ask him to current himself and provides his perspective.”
Last week, a cousin of Ms Batool urged her to “come again to the UK” and hand herself in to the police.
Content Source: information.sky.com