This article contains references to suicide and may be distressing for some readers. Egypt's parliament is expected to discuss family and custody laws following the death of a mother of two who died by suicide during a livestream, in a case that has prompted concern over mental health pressures and social strain.
A parliamentary source told The New Arab the case is expected to be raised in the House of Representatives, with renewed scrutiny of personal status and child custody laws.
Basant Soleiman died after falling from the balcony of her apartment while broadcasting live on Facebook from her 13th-floor home in Alexandria , according to local reports.
Soleiman had spoken during the livestream about ongoing financial strain, family disputes, and social pressures, security and medical sources said. She also addressed her followers about caring for her two children shortly before her death.
In previous social media posts, Soleiman had spoken about marital difficulties and alimony disputes, saying she had filed for divorce over "irreconcilable differences".
Egypt's Minister of Social Solidarity Maya Morsy described the case as a "serious warning bell", pointing to growing psychological and social pressures.
She said it highlighted broader concerns around family stability and disputes over housing and custody, particularly their impact on women and children.
In Egypt, personal status laws typically grant mothers custody of young children but can revoke it under certain conditions, including remarriage or rulings related to suitability, often leading to prolonged legal battles and placing significant emotional and financial strain on families.
On Monday, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi directed the government to submit draft legislation on family matters to parliament, aimed at addressing gaps in existing laws and strengthening protections for families.
Lawmakers have since submitted urgent requests to review these laws, citing concerns over their impact on family relations and child welfare.
The tragedy comes amid heightened concern over a number of deaths in Egypt linked to financial hardship and social stress. Official figures indicate hundreds of suicides are recorded annually, with unofficial estimates suggesting higher numbers.
The incident has also sparked widespread reaction online, with users expressing shock and raising questions about intervention during the livestream.
One user wrote: "41 minutes into the live, and no one could keep up with her? Three-quarters of an hour and no family or friends [showed up]?"