Lobna Yakout’s life took a devastating turn when her ex-husband, Karim Selim, was revealed to be a serial killer. Their six-year marriage ended with Yakout fleeing Egypt with their young son, Zayn, fearing for their safety due to Selim’s alleged threats and violence. A year later, during a visit with his father, Zayn disappeared. Yakout believes Selim orchestrated the boy’s disappearance, essentially kidnapping him. This heartbreaking event occurred before Selim’s horrific crimes came to light, leaving Yakout in a desperate struggle to reunite with her son. Now, years later, she continues to fight for custody, hampered by legal obstacles and the elusive nature of Selim’s family.
The discovery of Selim’s crimes sent shockwaves through Egypt. He was convicted of drugging, sexually abusing, and murdering three women in a soundproof room within his luxurious home. The case was particularly disturbing due to Selim’s necrophilia, documented in video recordings shown in court. CCTV footage also captured him disposing of the bodies. These grim details earned him the chilling moniker “New Cairo Serial Killer.” Yakout expressed disbelief and shock upon learning the extent of her ex-husband’s depravity, recalling the fear and turmoil she and her mother experienced as the truth unfolded.
Even with Selim’s imprisonment and impending death sentence, Yakout’s quest to regain custody of Zayn remains arduous. She claims to have filed all the necessary legal paperwork, but her efforts have been thwarted by Selim’s mother, who now has custody of Zayn. Yakout alleges that Selim falsely told authorities she was dead, facilitating his mother’s acquisition of guardianship. Despite having full legal custody, Yakout has been unable to locate Zayn and his grandmother, leaving her in a desperate and agonizing limbo. Her story, shared on a viral TikTok video, has garnered millions of views and brought international attention to her plight.
Yakout’s TikTok video, titled “I was married to a serial killer for seven and a half years,” details the harrowing experiences that led to her separation from Zayn. She recounts instances where Selim allegedly threatened her life when she attempted to retrieve her son. This cycle of violence and fear forced her to flee, leaving her in a constant state of anxiety and desperation. Her plea for help in locating her son resonated with millions, highlighting the complexities and challenges faced by those entangled with individuals capable of extreme violence. The video offers a chilling glimpse into the private terror she endured and underscores the long-lasting impact of Selim’s actions on her life and the life of her son.
Before his arrest, Selim cultivated a significant online presence, teaching American slang on TikTok. This ironic juxtaposition of a seemingly harmless online persona with the reality of his heinous crimes adds another layer of disturbance to the story. The contrast between his public image and his private actions highlights the deceptive nature of online identities and the potential for individuals to mask their true selves. This duality raises questions about the potential dangers lurking within online communities and the importance of critical thinking when engaging with online content. The chilling realization that a popular online personality was simultaneously a serial killer adds a disturbing dimension to the case.
Yakout’s story tragically underscores the broader issue of gender-based violence in Egypt. According to a UN survey, millions of Egyptian women experience some form of gender-based violence each year. Cairo, in particular, has been labeled as one of the most dangerous megacities for women globally. Yakout’s case, while extreme, highlights the vulnerabilities women face in a society where such violence is prevalent. Her struggle to protect herself and her son shines a light on the systemic issues that contribute to the normalization and perpetuation of violence against women. Her story serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for greater protections and support for women facing such threats.
