The murder of 10-year-old Sara Sharif shocked the world, not just because of her young age, but because her own father, Urfan Sharif, was the one who took her life. His confession revealed a horrifying truth—Sara had suffered years of abuse before her death. But for Sharif, prison life proved just as dangerous as his crimes were despicable.
Sara’s body was discovered in her home in August 2023, alongside a note from her father admitting to the killing. He claimed he “snapped” but never intended to kill her. Before authorities could arrest him, Sharif, his wife, and his brother fled to Pakistan, sparking an international manhunt. When they were finally caught and put on trial, the details were even more disturbing—Sara had endured burns, fractures, and relentless torture.
The court handed down life sentences to Sharif and his wife, while his brother received 16 years. But behind bars, Sharif faced another kind of punishment. Prisoners, even those convicted of violent crimes, often hold a strict code against harming children. News of his crime spread quickly, making him a target.
Shortly after arriving at HMP Belmarsh, a high-security prison, two inmates attacked him with a sharpened tuna can lid. He survived but was left with deep cuts and permanent scars. Some say it was only a matter of time—justice served in a way the courts couldn’t deliver.
What are your thoughts? Does prison violence against child killers serve as rightful retribution, or does it undermine the justice system?
