Egyptian teacher tried over beating

An Egyptian mathematics teacher has appeared in court in Alexandria accused of beating an 11-year-old to death because he did not do his homework.

After using a ruler, Haitham Nabeel Abdelhamid, 23, allegedly took the boy outside the classroom and hit him violently in his stomach.

Islam Amr Badr fainted and later died in hospital of heart failure.



Observers say the case has been seen as a shocking reminder of the failings of Egypt's state education system.

The incident, at Saad Othman Primary School on the outskirts of Alexandria in October, caused national outrage.

The boy had two broken ribs, and stomach injuries which caused a sharp drop in his blood pressure and heart failure. Mr Abdul Hamid has said he only meant to discipline his pupil and did not mean to hurt anyone.