Newly released footage shows seriously ill five-year-old Tafida Raqeeb reacting by suddenly pulling her hand from a bowl of water, which her parents say proves she is not in a 'vegetative state'. Doctors had told the High Court that her brain damage was so severe she could not see, move or feel.
In one clip, filmed about a week ago, Tafida's hand is placed in a bowl of water and she appears to pull it back as if surprised. She also seems to look at the bowl and clutch a yellow rubber duck. Her family posted the video on Facebook with the caption: 'Little Miss Madam initially has no interest in playing with the water. Look how she pulls her hand away – we got there eventually.'
Other footage shows Tafida 'awake, happy and stretching' in her hospital bed, waving her arms and focusing her eyes. Her mother, Shelina Begum, said Tafida knows when she is present. The judge, Mr Justice MacDonald, described her evidence as 'measured and dignified' and accepted that the parents, who have kept a round-the-clock vigil since February, spend more time with her than anyone else.
In a sensational victory at the High Court, Tafida's family succeeded where those of Charlie Gard and Alfie Evans failed. The judge ruled that Tafida should be transferred from London's Royal London Hospital to Genoa, Italy, where doctors will continue treatment. He gave weight to the possibility that she might eventually go home on a ventilator and live for another ten or 20 years, and also cited the parents' strong Islamic religious belief.
All doctors agree Tafida has irreversible brain damage and will almost certainly need a ventilator for life, with at best minimal awareness. The ruling, which depends on EU freedom of movement laws, could affect other cases, but is closely tied to Tafida's specific circumstances.
