Data protection rules prevent publication of Sara Sharif report

LONDON: A local authority in southern England has declined to release a key report on failures linked to the death of 10-year-old Sara Sharif, citing data protection laws.

The report was commissioned by Surrey County Council and examines missed opportunities by officials who did not prevent the abuse and eventual killing of the child.

Sara’s father, Urfan Sharif, and stepmother, Beinash Batool, were convicted of her murder in December 2024.

Report focuses on official failings

The document is understood to review how authorities handled the case and where interventions fell short before Sara’s death. It details failures that contributed to the circumstances leading to the child’s murder.

British media said findings previously disclosed in a safeguarding review showed that Sara had been subjected to prolonged abuse. Those findings also indicated that she should not have been returned to her father’s care.

Authorities had underestimated the risks posed by Urfan Sharif despite evidence of a history of domestic violence.

Release blocked

Surrey County Council has refused to make the report public, saying data protection laws prevent its release. The decision means a document dealing with the handling of the case by officials will remain undisclosed despite public interest in the circumstances surrounding Sara’s death.

The document is a key report detailing failures that contributed to the death of Sara Sharif. It was commissioned by the council as part of efforts to examine how officials responded to concerns and why those actions did not stop the abuse.

British media said the safeguarding review had already pointed to serious concerns over the treatment Sara endured and the decisions made about her care arrangements.

The case has drawn attention in Britain because of the findings that opportunities to protect the child were missed. The report commissioned by Surrey County Council was intended to examine those failings, but the council has said it cannot be released because of legal restrictions related to personal data.

British media said the previously disclosed safeguarding findings concluded that Sara suffered prolonged abuse and should not have been placed back in her father’s care. They also said the danger posed by Urfan Sharif was not fully recognised by authorities despite evidence of past domestic violence.