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Former Egyptian Minister Sparks Outrage After Promoting Book by Son Accused of Double Murder
Nabila Makram’s defense of her son, Rami Fahim—on trial in the U.S. for murder—ignites backlash over alleged reputation laundering and misuse of public sympathy.
Watan-Former Egyptian Minister of Immigration Nabila Makram has stirred public controversy following a recent media interview in which she discussed her son, Rami Fahim, who is currently detained in the United States on charges of premeditated murder of two colleagues.
Makram revealed that her son authored a self-help book titled “99 Quotes” while in prison, drawing from his experiences behind bars to “spread hope among Egyptian youth.”
The statements triggered a wave of criticism and accusations of reputation laundering and exploiting public influence, especially as Rami stands accused in a high-profile criminal case still under trial and documented with surveillance footage and strong testimonies, according to U.S. media.
Critics Slam Efforts to Recast Murder Suspect as Youth Role Model
Attempting to garner public sympathy, Makram said her son reads extensively, learned Arabic through their phone conversations, and has read over 70 English-language books during his incarceration. She credited his improvement to Naguib Mahfouz’s literary works.
Controversially, the book reportedly contains motivational messages aimed at inspiring Egyptian youth, at a time when many Egyptians perceive it as a calculated attempt to polish the image of a murder suspect.
Several media figures and human rights activists condemned what they see as the manipulation of a criminal case for personal gain. Journalist Mohamed Ali Khair urged the former minister to “keep her son out of the media spotlight,” adding, “People don’t forget easily.”
Outrage Grows Over Perceived State Backing for Murder Suspect’s Image Makeover
The case has also raised questions about the role of publishing houses, after reports surfaced suggesting that a state-owned publisher may be printing the book—an act seen as state-sponsored image rehabilitation.
In a country facing deep economic hardship and deteriorating social justice, many Egyptians view this incident as an affront to the victims and a distortion of moral leadership.
“How can someone on trial for murder suddenly become a youth role model?” many have asked.
The book hasn’t been officially released yet, but the controversy is far from over. The core question persists: Is the Egyptian establishment marketing a murderer—just because he’s the son of a former official?
